The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Gulf NRIs seek quota in legislatures

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 24, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Gulf NRIs seek quota in legislatures

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, JULY 23. Nomination of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the Gulf as Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly, sanctioning of plots within the twin cities at subsidised rates with full infrastructure facility and formation of a NRI Housing Corporation form part of the demands made by Gulf NRIs to the Government.

"Majority of the 22 million NRIs worldwide are favouring the idea of forming political parties and having their representatives to Parliament and State Assemblies," said Khaja Quadeer Anwar, Chairman of NRI Convention and Festival.

At a press conference on Friday, Mr. Anwar said certain constituencies should be reserved for NRIs in Andhra Pradesh, who represent more than one million NRIs. "There are 8 to 10 dependents per NRI living in India. Each NRI influences at least 8 to 10 voters," he said. He urged the Government to allow proxy voting for NRIs.

Reservation in jobs

Mr. Anwar requested the Government to give quota in jobs for those who return from the Gulf and are below 40 years of age. There are 3.5 million overseas contract workers employed in the Gulf.

"We are facing many problems in getting admissions for children into higher education due to the existing non-domicile regulation in Andhra Pradesh. Many States in the country do not have this law, which is neither beneficial to the Government nor to citizens," Mr. Anwar said. He requested the Chief Minister to exempt NRIs from this law.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh