Proposal For Representation To NRIs In Parliament: External Affairs Committee Discusses Issues Of Indian Diaspora

On Tuesday (21 January), the parliamentary committee on External Affairs proposed the idea of representing Non-Resident Indians in Parliament. This suggestion was made in light of their increasing population and the distinct challenges they face concerning diaspora interests.

According to PTI sources, Deepender Singh Hooda, a Congress member of Parliament (MP), used Italy as an example, a country that has legislative reservations for its overseas citizens, to advocate for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) representation in Parliament.

Hooda reportedly argued that this would enable a more effective response to their concerns. The remarks were made when the committee led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, engaged in discussions on a variety of issues related to the Indian diaspora.

Tharoor told PTI after the meeting, “We had a very detailed and thorough discussion with four organisations working with the diaspora. MPs were very engaged.” He described the discussion as lively and full of lots of questions and answers.

An MP stated post-meeting that this would simplify the immigration process for skilled workers and mitigate unwanted behaviors, such as individuals resorting to desperate and sometimes illegal measures to reach overseas destinations.

The meeting was attended by several organisations including Norka Roots from Kerala, the Department of NRIs Affairs from the Punjab government, the People of Indian Origin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PIOCCI) from Delhi, and the Centre for Diaspora Studies from the Central University of Gujarat.

In a prior meeting, the committee was notified by the Ministry of External Affairs that the government is currently considering a bill addressing emigration issues.

Tharoor conveyed that the Ministry had notified the committee about the ongoing preparation and discussion of the bill. He also mentioned that one of the appeals from the state governments is their wish to be included in the consultation process.