Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai (EP)
Dubai, Nov 26: “Karnataka Non-Resident Indian (KNRI) Forum has responded quickly to the problems of Karnataka based people in UAE. We have solved their visa problems. If Karnataka state government or the central government supports us, we will be able to solve their problems easily as all the non-resident Indians are not rich,” said Karnataka NRI forum UAE president Pravin Kumar Shetty Vakwady.
He was speaking after chairing in an interaction programme with Karnataka ministers held in Hotel Fortune Plaza auditorium here. “Visas, salary, problems in jobs, and opportunities for new business, differences in air fares and direct flights to some places in Karnataka are some of the problems being faced. We have already issued KNRI cards to our members,” he said. Whether it is for retired life or before it, coordination with officials while constructing house, speedy disposal of records, insurance, voting rights, NRI office in each of the offices of deputy commissioner, appointment of higher officials were explained to the ministers with examples.
Pravin Kumar Shetty handed over appeals and requested for solutions to former Karnataka chief minister Dr Veerappa Moily, Karnataka urban development and Dakshina Kannada district in charge minister U T Khader and Karnataka minister of women and child welfare, Udupi district in charge minister Dr Jayamala.
Veerappa Moily said that NRIs need the coordination of union ministry of foreign affairs. “We will arrange for single window solution soon. Our country has seen progress because of your hard work. Karnataka has created conducive atmosphere for business. Therefore non-resident Indians should start businesses in Karnataka and make them grow. Pravin Kumar is a hard working businessman and is a model for young people,” he said.
Minister Khader said that our government is not NRI government. “But we have tried to solve problems within its purview. Karnataka government will strengthen your resolve towards hard work. The government provides funds by understanding problems of all. Our government wants to preserve our culture and make it grow. There may be differences in the way our government responds towards NRI. It is common feeling that people abroad are rich. But we know your difficulties, hard work and life. I will discuss about your demand for voting rights. The life of the one who does not vote is not worth,” said minister Jayamala.
Forum vice president Joseph Mathais, B K Ganesh Rai, Dr Kaup Mohammed, joint treasurer Daya Kirodian, joint secretary M E Muloor, Noel Almeida, executive committee members Abdul Lathif Mulki, Mallikarjuna Gowda, Mohammed Ali Uchil, Prashanth Acharya, All India Tulu Okkoota president Dharmapal U Devadiga, Dr U T Iftikar Ali, Narayana Devadiga Kaup, Sathish Shetty Patla and other elite were present.
The meeting started after national anthem of both the countries. Joint secretary Shashidhar Nagarajappa welcomed. Chief secretary Prabhaker Ambalathare in his key note address explained the hard work by Kannadigas here and compered the meeting. Treasurer Sadan Das rendered the vote of thanks.