From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Jan 7 : In a path-breaking initiative, Karnataka’s Commerce and Industries Department has unveiled the NRI Policy of Karnataka with a vision of playing a catalytic role in building sustainable linkages between the State and Non-Resident Kannadigas across the globe to build a progressive, vibrant and prosperous Karnataka.
Karnataka being the seventh-largest State in India by area and the eighth-largest by population, Kannadigas - the people, represent Karnataka all over the world and are known for their high skills and their contributions to the countries where they reside.
The Non-Resident Indian Forum, Karnataka set up in 2008 has been playing a very vital role in strengthening linkages between the Karnataka Diaspora and several cultural organizations spread across the globe apart from motivating them to bring in investments to Karnataka State.
The NRI Policy of Karnataka looks into aspirations, requirements and expectations of the Kannadigas diaspora and promotion of culture and festivities, art and culture among NRIs/NRKs.
The NRI Policy of Karnataka proposes to engage NRIs/NRKs in the economic, social and technological development of Karnataka apart from working out country-specific plans for forging a mutually beneficial relationship with the NRIs/NRKs.
The policy also addresses the issues relating to dissemination of the information on opportunities in the overseas market, skilling & encourages Kannadigas to take up overseas employment.
Highlights of the NRI Policy of Karnataka
Creation of a Data base on NRIs/ NRKs
To connect with every Kannandiga across the globe and share views/issues/experiences.
Non Resident Kannadiga (NRK) Card
A distinguished identity for NRKs- will have special value privilege &speedy services
“Namma Ooru-Namma Nadu” initiative for NRIs/NRKs
An avenue for NRKs to engage in philanthropic activities and connect with their roots.
Participation in Pravasi Bharathiya Divas
Government of Karnataka will identify and felicitate one outstanding individual in alternate year of PBD with the title ‘NRK of the Year’.
District level NRIs/NRKs Welfare Committee headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners
A district level support system for NRIs/NRKs with their families & a resource, knowledge & Counseling centre for dissemination of information on matters relating to emigration, aspects of overseas employment, etc.,
Promotion of Art and Culture of Karnataka
Structured exchange programs will be organized to promote art, yoga and cultural activities.
Promotion of Kannada and Karnataka’s festivities among NRIs/NRKs-
NRI forum will develop self-learning material and would host it on the website to facilitate NRIs/NRKs and their Children who have not received formal Kannada Education to get connected to their mother tongue and get certification of proficiency in Kannada language.
Encourage Kannada Kootas all over the world
Kannadigas would be encouraged to form Kannada Kootas in every region of their respective countries of their stay to promote and preserve Kannada language and culture and connect with others.
Business Incubation Centre for NRKs
To encourage entrepreneurship among NRIs/NRKs & to establish formal and organized link between NRIs/NRKs and Government of Karnataka, NRIs/NRKs will be offered Business Incubation Centre at special monthly rental for an initial period of one year.
Encouraging Kannadigas to take up overseas employment:
The NRI Forum, Karnataka will undertake periodical campaigns across districts disseminate the information on opportunities in the overseas market, skilling and encourage Kannadigas to take up overseas employment along with pre departure orientation.
NRIs/NRKs Support Service Centre:
The NRI Forum will associate with Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) helpdesk, which is operational 24x7x365 through toll free number 1800-11-3090 in India and 91-124-2341002 for Indian emigrants working overseas.
The NRI Forum will associate with Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) helpdesk, which is operational 24x7x365 to attend to queries in eleven (11) languages (Hindi, English, Punjabi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Kannada, and Bengali) through toll free number 1800-11-3090 in India and 91-124-2341002 for Indian emigrants working overseas.
Legal Aid Centre
NRI Forum in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs & in consultation with Karnataka Legal Services Authority would extend all possible legal services to NRIs/NRKs in distress during their overseas employment period.
Welfare services to NRIs/NRKs returning home:
NRI forum in association with District NRIs/NRKs Welfare Committee will extend all possible assistance to NRIs/NRKs who relocate permanently to their mother land and facilitate help in change of residential status, taxation implication, foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) issues etc.