The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that two day NRI Conference to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib and Jalandhar on January 10 and 11, 2014 would focus on strengthening emotional bonds with our Punjabis, who have made their niche in various countries by sheer hard work and entrepreneurship.The Deputy Chief Minister along with Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia, NRIs Affairs Minister were here at Jalandhar to review the arrangements for second day of NRI Conference to be held at Bath Castle. Mr. Majithia informed the Deputy CM that over 438 delegates from 19 countries virtually located in all five continents have confirmed their participation in the NRI Conference. He said that representatives of management of 1009 various groups NGOs in various countries have also been invited to participate this time. He said that invitations have also been extended to representatives of 145 Non Resident Medias including from Press, Online Radios, Channels and NRI Websites.
Giving the details of the Sammelan Mr. Majithia said that the first day of the Sammellan on January 10 would be delegate session only by invitation in which Punjab Government would educate the NRIs regarding steps taken by Punjab Government for their welfare. He said that Special Literature on various Legislative Enactments of Punjab Government to help NRIs would also be distributed amongst them. He said that Special Helpdesk of NRI Police, Revenue and other concerned departments would be setup at the venue of Sammelan to redress the grievances of NRIs.Giving details of first of its own kind Interactive NRI Website developed by the NRIs Affairs Department, Mr. Majithia said that Punjab is only state in which NRIs would be able to lodge their grievances online, which would be redressed in a time bound manner under intimation to them. He said that NRIs can also apply for NRI Privilege Card online on the website.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that that NRI Sammelan was the right forum to get a feedback from NRIs and inform them about the initiatives taken by Punjab Government for their welfare.Mr. Majithia informed that a detailed presentation would be made regarding promises made to them during last NRI Sammelan and steps taken by Punjab Government to fulfill most of the promises.Focusing on historic Legislative Amendments enacted by Punjab Government,Majithia said that Punjab Government has published a comprehensive booklet on these amendments to educate the NRIs.Mr. Majithia informed that delegates are coming from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, Norway, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal.Later, Deputy CM and Mr. Majithia reviewed at Bath Castle. Instructions were issued that the number of registration counters should be doubled to ensure that every NRI coming to NRI Sammelan should be registered so that Punjab Government would publish a comprehensive NRI directory.