The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : When Gulf returnees shared fears, hopes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

When Gulf returnees shared fears, hopes

Thiruvananthapuram: It turned out to be an occasion for sharing apprehensions and looking forward to a bright future for a large group of Gulf returnees who took part in the Pravasi Bharathiya Day celebrations, organised by All-Kerala Gulf Returnees' Association, in association with Pravasi Federation, in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

Pannian Raveendran, MP, who inaugurated the function, said non-resident Malayalis played a vital role in building up the State's finances. "They have functioned as the backbone of our economy for the last several years, and, so, they should not be ill-treated in any manner," he added.

Mr. Raveendran felt that the Government departments entrusted with the affairs of Gulf Malayalis, often, showed negligence in caring for their welfare.

He would raise issues concerning them in Parliament and work for their welfare. Office-bearers of the association alleged that the Union and the State governments were tardy in taking steps for welfare of expatriates.

The association was planning to set up a welfare society for the uplift of Gulf returnees and those financially weak, they added.

The former Minister P. Sankaran distributed relief to indigent Gulf returnees, and T.M. Jacob, MLA, gave away sewing machines.

Association State president Peroorkada Basheer presided over the function.

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