NORKA - A step forward
Important achievements of NORKA since 1996 |
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| a.
Formation of NORKA The lack of a single
agency
under the Government of Kerala which the NRKs can contact for redressal of their
grievances had been causing hindrance in NRK welfare activities and also
in close
interaction.
The formation of
NORKA on 6th December 1996 was thus a fulfilment of an assurance given by the Government
of Kerala to its expatriate community and the culmination of efforts for finding out solution
to problems faced by NRK community. |
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b. Representations / Petitions
The NORKA has so far received nearly 70,000
representations/petitions from Non Resident Keralites. These petitions were for remedial
action on threats to the lives and property of those who are left at home, for power and
gas connection, tracing of missing persons abroad, compensation from
sponsors, harassment
from sponsors, cheating by recruiting agents, education facilities
for children of NRKs,
introduction of more flights, etc. Follow up action was initiated on all the petitions and
replies were given, and the authorities of State Government/Government of India were
directed to take immediate suitable action on them. |
Amitabh Kant, IAS
Secretary NORKA
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c. Pravasi surakasha social welfare schemes
The launching of ‘Pravasi Suraksha Social
Welfare Scheme’ in May 1997 was a historic step in providing a social security cover
to millions of NRKs who toil in the deserts. This was the first of its kind
in India. More than 1,07,000 NRKs have so far enrolled in the scheme. Compensation to the
tune of Rupees 130 lakhs has been paid to dependants of which Rs. 1, 00, 07, 000/- was
paid as accidental death compensation in 21 cases.
Encouraged by the
good response, a new scheme entitled Pravasi Suraksha Kudumba Arogya has been launched in
March. The scope of the existing scheme has also been widened to cover marriage and
education for the children of the deceased. Around 20,000 NRK families have joined in this
scheme and Rs. 1.5 lakhs have been paid for the medical treatment.
d. Non Resident Keralites Welfare Agency
The Non-Resident Keralites Welfare Agency was
registered in June 1998. The aim of the Agency is to implement
schemes for the welfare and
benefit of NRKs, to channelise their expertise and resources to given a thrust to the
industrial growth of the State, rehabilitate the returnees and establish a world wide network
of NRK associations.
The Chief
Minister is the President of the Agency and Agency has started preliminary functions. When
the Agency functions in full swing, it is expected that more activities in all spheres
connected with NRKs can be taken up.
The
achievements of Non Resident Keralites Welfare Agency are as follows:
Pravasi Sangamams
Action has already been taken to co-ordinate the
NRKs and returnees in each district in the State. This novel venture is called
‘Pravasi Sangamam’. Pravasi Sangamams are being convened at district level
on two
consecutive days. During the Sangamams potential sectors and
entrepreneurship projects are
identified and necessary advisory and consultancy services are rendered to them. The
NORKWA will act as facilitator to identify investment opportunities and let them know what
are the concessions and incentives available to them.
Pravasi Sangamams
were already conducted in 8 districts, viz., Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta,
Kannur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Kollam. Further follow up action is being
taken in the matter. Pravasi Sangamams in the remaining six districts will be held within
six months.
Detailed
survey
of NRKs, pre-departure training, skill development and up gradation
training, career
development programs and refresher programs can be taken up for the
benefit of the
potential migrants with the active involvement of District Pravasi
Sangamams when they have
fully started functioning.
e. Issues with Government of India
Many problems faced by the NRKs could be solved only
with the active co-operation of the Government of India. The State government has taken up
several proposals in this regard before the Government of India.
As a result, the
Government of India has informed that they are considering setting up of a Central
Manpower Export Agency and creation of Welfare Fund and insurance coverage. Government of
Kerala will be following up this very vigorously with the Government of India.
f. Inclusion of Name in Ration Cards
Non Resident Keralites will be included in
ration cards from the year 2000 AD. They can thus produce the ration cards as proof for several
official purposes. The enumeration for issue of new ration cards will cover this also.
More than this, an accurate number of NRKs community could be obtained through this.
g. Other Achievements
The Government has extended active assistance in
repatriation of returnees from United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on general amnesty.
Additional flights and ships were introduced for facilitating their repatriation. A
special train from Mumbai to Kerala was engaged for the transportation of Saudi
returnees.
Nearly 25000 U.A.E. and Saudi repatriates were extended assistance by the Government.
Many Keralites who were languishing in
jails even after their
term of imprisonment were helped in their release. Assistance was extended for repatriation of mortal remains and for
obtaining legal dues from sponsors. Nearly 200 Keralites were assisted
in this regard
through the missions concerned.
NORKA did play a
crucial role in repatriation of 182 Indian nurses sheltered in
Indian Embassy Kuwait who
were cheated by recruiting agents. Many Keralite housemaids were also rescued from
harassment.
h. Extension of Joining Time
Government has received a lot of requests from NRKs
for the extension of joining time beyond the usual period for joining Government services
on first appointment. This request was considered and Government decided to extend joining
time for six months for Non Resident Keralites. This fulfils a long felt need of NRKs.
i. Checking of Illegal Recruitment
Government has taken very stern steps to check illegal
recruitment. A massive awareness campaign has been launched and the police was given
strict instructions to crack down illegal recruitments. Two high level
committees-committee for checking illegal recruitment and State Level Awareness Committee
for checking illegal recruitment have been constituted with higher officials and media
persons. |
