News & Pics by: Ronald D F D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Bahrain
Bahrain, Jun 18: Vayalar Ravi union minister for overseas Indian affairs arrived at Bahrain on Tuesday June 16, on a three day visit to discuss the issue of bolstering cooperation in man power and human resources domains between two countries.
Co-ordination Committee of Indian Association (CCIA) had organized a “Community Reception” to welcome the minister on Tuesday at the Bahrain Keraleya Samajam Diamond Jubilee Hall, Bahrain.
John Iype, chairman of CCIA, welcomed the minister and Dr George Joseph, Indian ambassador, at the entrance and led them to the dais. The minister and the ambassador were greeted by offering them a bouquet of flowers each.
The ambassador welcomed the minister and thanked the Indian government for achieving close co-operation between the two countries and also for bolstering co-operation in man power.
The visiting minister in his speech informed the audience that there are 25 million NRIs all over the world and that his ministry has been assigned with task of looking after the welfare of the NRIs. He also said that the present government under the premiership of Dr Manmohan Singh wants to build India as a super power in the world. He also said, a bill will be passed shortly, to distribute 25 kg of rice per month at Rs 3 a kilogram to all the poor people of India. He also explained to them that the government has been taking several good initiatives for the welfare of the Indians abroad. Giving voting rights to the NRIs is under the consideration of the law ministry, he said, adding that the dual citizenship passport holders will not have the voting rights. The government is planning to adopt a rural employment guarantee scheme to provide employment for rural graduates, so that exodus to urban areas is regulated. He also informed that 73,000 crores of rupees was used to waive farm loans availed by poor farmers from various banks. He pointed out that, America has now chosen to follow in the footsteps of India by copying its strategies. 40 years ago, Indira Gandhi nationalized 14 banks and today Indian banks are strong, both in terms of assets and their lending to industrial sector and now America is replicating this method, he claimed.
He expressed his happiness at the fact that Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Oman and now Bahrain (except Saudi) have signed the labour issues contract with the government. He expressed himself strongly against the practice of sending house maids to overseas because of the harassment concerns. He said that India is strong enough now and has been able to thrive on its own resources and does not need to depend on overseas employment for sustenance. “The immigration bill also is now in under consideration and waiting for the approval of the law ministry before it can be passed,” he revealed. He also came up with satisfactory answers, when some of the audiences raised a few questions.
G Arun Govind, secretary of CCIA proposed vote of thanks.