Special correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, May 28: As the Lok Sabha elections draw to a close and the Election Code of Conduct lifts in early June 2024, the Karnataka state government, led by chief minister Siddaramaiah, is poised to extend its cabinet. Among the Congress government's key poll promises, aside from the five guarantees, is the establishment of a dedicated ministry for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). This initiative, modelled after Kerala's NRI ministry, aims to address the issues faced by Kannadiga NRIs worldwide.
Highlighting the necessity for a specialized ministry, home minister Dr G Parameshwara recently emphasized the success of Kerala's NRI ministry in addressing expatriates' concerns, including repatriation during unfortunate events. He reiterated the Congress party's commitment, stating, "Like in Kerala, in Karnataka too, we will create a ministry for NRIs."
"Our government will create an NRI Ministry in the coming days, providing all necessary assistance in accordance with the law. The concerns raised by NRIs will be seriously considered and addressed," the minister asserted in the Assembly.
In 2008, the Karnataka government, led by B S Yediyurappa, established an NRI Forum to address the issues of NRIs. Dr Arathi Krishna is presently serving as the deputy chairman under the current administration. Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has also advocated for the creation of a separate board dedicated to the welfare of the state's NRIs.
Dr Arathi Krishna, a former diplomat and the daughter of the late minister Begur Ramayya, is the frontrunner for the ministry. She is highly regarded by the NRI community for her unparalleled support during the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting with repatriations and facilitating passport renewals when local embassies faced delays. Her efforts during the crisis were widely seen as acts of personal sacrifice, as she held no official position at the time. Additionally, she played a crucial role in rescuing students and residents from the Ukrainian warzone.
Kannadiga leaders from across the Gulf are reportedly planning to write to CM Siddaramaiah and home minister Parameshwara, advocating for Dr Arathi Krishna's appointment as the first NRI minister of the state. Although she is neither an elected representative nor a nominated member of the legislative assembly, there is a possibility of her nomination, given upcoming vacancies in June.
Dr Krishna's rapport with Indian and foreign embassies enhances her candidacy for the NRI ministry. Her extensive network has proven invaluable in assisting NRIs in various countries, including China, Italy, Australia, the USA, and several Gulf countries.