For the past few years, there has
been an increase in cases of Indian women falling prey to fraudulent
NRI grooms. Seeing the situation becoming worst, the government
has decided to provide such female victims with financial aid
to seek legal and counseling services through its foreign mission.
The provision will come up under the new scheme to be introduced
in US, Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait,
and Bahrain. Any women deserted or divorced by overseas Indian
husbands within two years of marriage can file the petition and
would be entitled to financial assistance to the tune of USD 1000
to fund her legal proceedings, says Overseas Indian Affairs Minister.
Around 30,000 cases of NRI marriages turning into an alleged trauma
came to light last year.
The mission will also involve participation from renowned NGO’s
and Indian women’s organization working in the mentioned
countries. The move is being taken to connect welfare benefits
with personal help of such female victims.
Legal aid will also be offered in the cases of an ex-parte decree
of divorce or annulment of the marriage obtained by the overseas
Indian spouses and a case of alimony will required to be filed
for the same.
The Indian Mission abroad will be circulating the scheme among
credible women organisations, inviting them to apply for empanelment
under the scheme for providing legal services. Also, these organisations
will endeavor to create a panel of community advocates to extend
further legal help.
