University for NRIs: Only 2 Months Away

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Reassuring measures were announced by Minister of Overseas Affairs Ravi Vyalar for NRIs on 13th January; close on the heels of the 5th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas that concluded on the 10th of this month.

The Minister promised a university for NRIs in two months, to be set up in a special economic zone, with the status of a deemed university. The fees would be affordable, and cater to even the not very affluent NRI who seeks quality education back home. Indian students would also be admitted to this university. The Foreign University Bill is awaiting approval from Parliament.

Addressing the issue of the welfare of Indian workers in the Gulf, he deplored the deceitful practices adopted by the agents who arrange visas, and get them to sign up on Arabic documents. A memorandum of understanding signed in December 2006 has taken up the issues of their employment to protect the Indian workers’ interests. The minister was empathetic towards the workers who he felt were entitled to a welfare fund back home in return for the regular remittances made by them. The government was looking into the possibility of a self employment scheme for the semi-skilled workers returning home from abroad.

An NRI centre has been set up in Dubai, to be followed by more centres – these would be under the guidance of the Indian ambassador. The Overseas Affairs Minister also announced the establishment of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.

Commenting on the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, the minister said this was being organized every year now to strengthen ties with Indians abroad, and would also take care of cultural issues Indians face in their adopted countries. The number of scholarships would also be doubled for young Indian achievers overseas, and the regularity and participation of the Know India Programme.