The Parliamentary committee on External Affairs, headed by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, had an interesting discussion on the Indian diaspora recently at a meeting convened to address issues related to non-resident Indians (NRIs).

The spotlight was on the growing number of NRIs and how issues concerning immigration could be dealt with better if NRIs were given a representation in Parliament. Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda cited Italy as an example to emulate, where there is a reservation in legislature for its overseas citizens.

Organisations from across India attended the meeting. Norka Roots from Kerala, Department of NRIs Affairs of the Punjab government, People of Indian Origin Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PIOCCI), Delhi, and the Centre for Diaspora Studies, Central University of Gujarat, from Gujarat, were present.

Tharoor said that the discussion with the four organisations, which worked closely with the diaspora, was packed with questions and answers concerning NRIs. The MPs were also very engaged in the detailed discussion, he added.

The participants had good proposals that pointed to equipping NRIs with the suitable skills they need for the countries they hope to settle in. This would curb illegal immigration.

Tharoor said that a bill on immigration issues, which was under the government’s purview, was still under discussion, and that the State governments were also keen on being consulted in this matter. – editor@nrifocus.com