Moving a step further to ensure speedy and hassle-free disposal of cases related to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the Punjab Government has received a go-ahead of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to setup first-ever NRI court in the State to deal exclusively with their matters.
"The next State Cabinet meeting would clear this proposal and this would fulfill the 50-year-old demand of the NRIs, who have been seeking fast track court for their matters related to them," said Punjab NRI Affairs and Revenue Minister, Bikram Singh Majithia, on Parvasi Bhartiya Divas in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Expressing concern over increasing attacks on NRIs in other countries, Majithia said it was imperative for the Union External Affairs Ministry to take up this issue strongly with other countries. "We must send a strong message seeking expeditious punishment of guilty in such cases," he added.
Concerned over increasing attacks on Sikhs in other countries due to confusion of their identity, Majithia said it was a serious issue that post 9/11, Sikhs were being attacked as a result of confusions over their identity. "Union External Affairs Ministry must launch a global sensitisation campaign to educate the people on the Sikh identity. Despite repeated requests by the Punjab Government, the Centre has not taken any positive step in this direction," he added.
Majithia pointed out that path-breaking decisions have been taken after thorough interaction with elected Punjabi representatives and media representatives across the globe during 2013 Non-Resident Punjabi Summit. He informed the NRIs that only recently, an interactive website - www.nripunjab.gov.in - has been launched to provide exhaustive information and linkages along with complaint redressal mechanism. A 24-hour helpline has also been launched where NRIs can not only get information but also register their complaints.