Telangana NRIs Seek Rs 500 Cr Allocation
Gulf NRIs Request Rs 500 Crore Allocation for Welfare: Meeting with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
A delegation of Gulf NRIs met with Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday, August 2, urging the state government to allocate Rs 500 crore for the welfare of Gulf NRI workers. The delegation’s plea highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Indian workers in the Gulf countries and seeks to address their needs through substantial financial support.
The delegation, which included key members such as TPCC NRI cell chairman and former ambassador Dr. B Vinod Kumar, M Bheem Reddy, convenor of the Gulf NRI cell of TPCC, MLC and TPCC working President B Mahesh Kumar Goud, Choppadandi MLA Medipalli Satyam, Dharmapuri MLA Adluri Laxman Kumar, and Krishna Dhonikeni, President of the Gulf Workers Association of Communities (GWAC), presented a comprehensive proposal to the Chief Minister. Their primary demands were the establishment of a Gulf NRI Welfare Board with a budget of Rs 500 crore and financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to the families of NRI workers who die while working in Gulf countries.
This meeting comes on the heels of the recently concluded Telangana Assembly session, where Congress and BJP MLAs emphasized the grievances of Gulf NRI workers. The issues raised include inadequate financial support, lack of welfare measures, and the need for a robust mechanism to address the concerns of NRI workers and their families.
Dr. B Vinod Kumar highlighted the dire conditions faced by many Indian workers in Gulf countries, noting that many workers endure harsh working conditions, low wages, and insufficient legal protection. He stressed the need for immediate government intervention to alleviate these hardships and ensure better living and working conditions for the workers.
M Bheem Reddy, convenor of the Gulf NRI cell of TPCC, pointed out that the contributions of Gulf NRIs to the state’s economy are significant. “Gulf NRIs send substantial remittances back home, which play a crucial role in the state’s economy. It is high time that the government recognizes their contribution and takes necessary steps to support their welfare,” he said.
MLC and TPCC working President B Mahesh Kumar Goud emphasized the importance of a dedicated welfare board for Gulf NRIs. “A Gulf NRI Welfare Board would provide a structured approach to addressing the various issues faced by NRI workers and their families. This board could offer financial assistance, legal support, and other necessary services to ensure their well-being,” he stated.
Choppadandi MLA Medipalli Satyam and Dharmapuri MLA Adluri Laxman Kumar echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for a comprehensive policy framework to support Gulf NRIs. They stressed that the proposed Rs 500 crore allocation would be a significant step towards addressing the long-standing grievances of NRI workers and their families.
Krishna Dhonikeni, President of GWAC, expressed hope that the Chief Minister would consider their demands and take prompt action. “We are hopeful that the government will recognize the urgency of our demands and allocate the necessary funds for the welfare of Gulf NRIs. This support is crucial for ensuring the dignity and well-being of our workers and their families,” he said.
The delegation’s meeting with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy underscores the pressing need for government intervention in addressing the challenges faced by Gulf NRI workers. The proposed allocation of Rs 500 crore and the establishment of a welfare board are seen as vital steps towards providing the necessary support and resources to this significant segment of the population.
As the Telangana government reviews the delegation’s proposals, the plight of Gulf NRIs remains a critical issue that requires immediate and sustained attention. The state’s commitment to addressing these concerns will not only provide much-needed relief to NRI workers and their families but also strengthen the bond between the state and its diaspora.