CONTROVERSY: Lawyer Aires Rodrigues recently targeted the Goa
NRI Commission, raising a number of queries about its
expenses, priorities and achievements. NRI Commissioner
Eduardo Faleiro shared his complete reply with Goanet, which
is put out here in the interest of wider debate, specially
among our many expat readers. Comments and feedback
(including suggestions) are welcome, and can be posted at
goa...@goanet.org
Openquote:
The request of Adv. Aires Rodrigues contained in reference
dated 31/05/2010 may please be seen at Pg. 1/C.
The replies to the information has been prepared which is as
under:-
Sr.No Information Sought Reply
1. Total amount spent by the Government of Goa on the
Commissioner for NRI Affairs and his office from 23/02/2006
to date
As per attached Annexure-I
2. Details of all overseas trips made by Commissioner of NRI
Affairs from 23/2/2006 to date and the trip wise expenses
incurred on him and his entourage. Kindly furnish the names
of the persons who accompanied him tripwise with details of
the destination and places visited
As per attached Annexure-II
3. Details of all trips within India made by Commissioner of
NRI Affairs from 23/02/2006 to date and the tripwise expenses
incurred on him and his entourage. Kindly furnish the names
of the persons who accompanied him trip wise with details if
the destination and places visited.
As per attached Annexure-III
4. Total expenses incurred by the office of the Commissioner
of NRI Affairs on holding conventions/seminars and other
Programmes from 23/02/2006 to date with details of
expenditure programme wise.
As per attached Annexure-IV
5. Total expenses incurred by the office of the Commissioner
of NRI Affairs on various publications from 23/02/2006 to
date with details of expenditure publication wise.
As per attached Annexure-V
6. Total expenses incurred by the office of the Commissioner
of NRI Affairs from 23/02/2006 to date on advertisements
released in various newspapers.
As per attached Annexure-VI
7. Kindly furnish the aims/objectives/goals of the office of
the Commissioner for NRI Affairs
As per attached Annexure-VII
8. Kindly furnish the details of which of the
aims/objectives/goals of the office of the Commissioner for
NRI Affairs that have been achieved from 23/02/2006 to date.
As per attached Annexure-VIII
---------------------------------------------------------
ANNEXURE -I
1. Total amount spent by the Government of Goa on the
Commissioner for NRI Affairs and his office from 23/02/2006
to date.
Details of Expenditure F. Y. 2006-07
Salaries 7,55,530
Overtime Allowance --
Domestic Travel Expenses 2,63,563
Foreign Travel Expenses --
Office Expenses 1,83,544
Advertising Publicity 4,10,202
Professional Services 85,717
Grant-in-Aid --
Other Charges 61,13,861
Total (Rs.) 78,12,417
Details of Expenditure F. Y. 2007-08
Salaries 10,42,730
Overtime Allowance 1,650
Domestic Travel Expenses 4,13,046
Foreign Travel Expenses 4,46,185
Office Expenses 1,61,321
Advertising Publicity 4,14,914
Professional Services 30,000
Grant-in-Aid 20,00,000
Other Charges 21,30,523
Total (Rs.) 66,40,369
Details of Expenditure F. Y. 2008-09
Salaries 16,01,198
Overtime Allowance 21,186
Domestic Travel Expenses 4,88,764
Foreign Travel Expenses 17,73,460
Office Expenses 4,59,350
Advertising Publicity 4,77,539
Professional Services --
Grant-in-Aid 5,00,000
Other Charges 46,37,111
Total (Rs.) 99,58,608
Details of Expenditure F. Y. 2009-10
Salaries 28,29,184
Overtime Allowance 13,101
Domestic Travel Expenses 1,87,969
Foreign Travel Expenses 6,73,615
Office Expenses 3,21,599
Advertising Publicity 4,69,568
Professional Services 50,000
Grant-in-Aid 5,00,000
Other Charges 31,56,419
Total (Rs.) 82,01,455
Details of Expenditure F. Y. 2010-11
Salaries 5,34,413
Overtime Allowance --
Domestic Travel Expenses --
Foreign Travel Expenses --
Office Expenses --
Advertising Publicity --
Professional Services --
Grant-in-Aid --
Other Charges --
Total (Rs.) 5,34,413
---------------------------------------------------------
ANNEXURE-II
2. Details of all overseas trips made by Commissioner for NRI
Affairs from 23/02/2006 to date and the trip wise expenses
incurred on him and his entourage. Kindly furnish the names
of the persons who accompanied him trip wise with details of
the destination and places visited
F. Y. 2006-07 (NIL)
F. Y. 2007-08
Sr. No
Name & Designation
Details of Destination Traveled
Duration of Travel
Purpose of visit
Total Expenditure incurred for each visit
1. U. D. Kamat,
Director for NRI Affairs
Portugal via (Frankfurt, Germany)
June 13-20, 2007
To attend the Convention of Goan Diaspora from Goa into the
World held at Lisbon from 15th to 17th June 2007
Rs 1,43,037=00
2. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Kuwait and Qatar
Nov. 05-14, 2007
To meet Goan expatriates, identify their grievances and other
issues affecting them and to study the labour markets in
Kuwait and Qatar
Rs 4,52,272=00
3. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd),Chairman, Overseas Employment
Agency of Goa Kuwait and Qatar
Nov. 05-14, 2007
To meet Goan expatriates, identify their grievances and other
issues affecting them and to study the labour markets in
Kuwait and Qatar
Rs 1,70,775=00
4. U. D. Kamat,
Director for NRI Affairs
Kuwait and Qatar
Nov. 05-14, 2007
To meet Goan expatriates, identify their grievances and other
issues affecting them and to study the labour markets in
Kuwait and Qatar
Rs 1,94,479=00
5. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Oman, UAE and Bahrain Dec. 04-13, 2007
To meet Goan expatriates, identify their grievances and other
issues affecting them and to study the labour markets in
Oman, UAE and Bahrain.
Rs 5,22,905=00 6.
6. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd),
Chairman, Overseas Employment Agency of Goa
Oman, UAE and Bahrain Dec. 04-13, 2007
To meet Goan expatriates, identify their grievances and other
issues affecting them and to study the labour markets in
Oman, UAE and Bahrain.
Rs 1,36,267=00
7. U. D. Kamat,
Director for NRI Affairs
Oman, UAE and Bahrain
Dec. 04-13, 2007
To meet Goan expatriates, identify their grievances and other
issues affecting them and to study the labour markets in
Oman, UAE and Bahrain.
Rs. 1,75,738=00
F. Y. 2008-09
Sr. No
Name & Designation
Details of Destination Traveled
Duration of Travel
Purpose of visit
Total Expenditure incurred for each visit
1. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mozambique and Kenya May 15-26, 2008 To interact with the
Goan as well as other Communities of Indian origin in
Mozambique and Kenya and discuss matters concerning them with
Government Authorities in these countries.
Rs. 6,84,735=00
2. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Mozambique and Kenya
May 15-26, 2008
To interact with the Goan as well as other Communities of
Indian origin in Mozambique and Kenya and discuss matters
concerning them with Government Authorities in these
countries.
Rs 1,97,090=00
3. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Canada
July 21-Aug. 01, 2008
To attend International Goan Convention 2008 in Toronto from
23rd to 27th July 2008
Rs 8,89,514=00
4. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Canada
July 21-Aug. 01, 2008
To attend International Goan Convention 2008 in Toronto from
23rd to 27th July 2008
Rs 2,33,364=00
F. Y. 2009-10
Sr. No
Name & Designation
Details of Destination Traveled
Duration of Travel
Purpose of visit
Total Expenditure incurred for each visit
1. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Oman
Nov 3-8, 2009
To attend Global Goan Convention 2009 organised by the Goan
Community of Oman in association with the Embassy of India at
Muscat on 5th & 6th November 2009.
Rs 53,937=00
(Air fare only)
(Accommodation and other charges awaited from Embassy of
India Oman)
2. U. D. Kamat,
Director NRI Affairs
Oman
Nov 3-8, 2009
To attend Global Goan Convention 2009 organised by the Goan
Community of Oman in association with the Embassy of India at
Muscat on 5th & 6th November 2009.
Rs 25,591=00
(Air fare only)
(No other expenditure incurred as accommodation was provided
by the Goan Community of Oman)
---------------------------------------------------------
ANNEXURE III
3. Details of all trips within India made by Commissioner for
NRI Affairs from 23/02/2006 to date and the trip wise
expenses incurred on him and his entourage. Kindly furnish
the names of the persons who accompanied him trip wise with
details of the destination and places visited.
F. Y. 2006-07
Sr. No.
Name & Designation
Destination
Duration
Amount
1. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi & Chandigarh
Apr 23-30, 2006
49,887=00
2. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
May 21-24, 2006
15,345=00
3. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Jun 1-4, 2006
40,794=00
4. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Bangalore
Jul 1-6 , 2006
19,895=00
5. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs Delhi
Sep 3-6, 2006 16,032=00
6. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Oct 15-19, 2006
39,875=00
7. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Nov 28- Dec 1, 2006
12,003=00
8. U. D. Kamat,
Director for NRI Affairs
Ahmedabad
Dec 3-5, 2006
3,877=00
9. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
Dec 8-10, 2006
15,045=00
10. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Jan 10-12, 2007
16,760=00
11. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
Feb 6-15, 2007
14,660=00
12. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Feb 20-23, 2007
17,060=00
13. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Mumbai
Mar 14-15, 2007
33,866=00
14. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Bangalore & Thiruvanathapuram
Mar 27-29, 2007
31,780=00
15. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
Mar. 28-April 3, 2007
15,770=00
Total 3,42,649=00
F. Y. 2007-08
Sr. No.
Name & Designation
Destination
Duration
Amount
1. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Bangalore, Hyderabad & Chennai
Apr 17-20, 2007
41,388=00
2. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
May 13-29, 2007
16,070=00
3. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai-Vishakhapatnam-Hyderabad-Mumbai
Jul. 2-8, 2007
47,194=00
4. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Aug 9-11, 2007
12,467=00
5. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Delhi Aug. 19-24, 2007
29,312=00
6. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Aug 19-25, 2007
29,485=00
7. Eduardo Faleiro,
Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Sep. 30-Oct. 10, 2007
30,525=00
8. Eduardo Faleiro,
Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Oct. 21-27, 2007
1,06,789=00
9. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Oct 22-26, 2007
10,905=00
10. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Nov 25-27, 2007
11,871=00
11. T. T. Halarnakar, OSD to Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Dec 12-15, 2007
10,959=00
12. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Dec 17-18, 2007
24,000=00
13. Eduardo Faleiro,
Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
Jan. 3-6, 2008
53,472=00
14.Eduardo Faleiro,
Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Jan. 13-16, 2008
14,300=00
15. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Jan 28-31, 2008
15,090=00
16. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Thiruvanathapuram
Feb 21-23, 2008
7,960=00
17. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Feb. 25-Mar. 1, 2008
14,424=00
18 VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Delhi & Chandigardh
Feb 27-Mar 4, 2008
8,755=00
19.Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Mar 16-20, 2008
48,839=00
Total 5,33,805=00
F.Y.2008-09
Sr.No.
Name & Designation
Destination
Duration
Amount
1. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Apr 22-25, 2008
14,891=00
2. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Apr 24-26, 2008
38,885=00
3. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Jun 22-25, 2008
23,963=00
4. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad
Jun 22-Jul 6, 2008
62,633=00
5. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Delhi
Jul. 2-5, 2008
12,550=00
6. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Aug 20-27, 2008
46,985=00
7. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Hyderabad
Aug 23-24,2008
17,344=00
8. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Bangalore
Aug. 23-26, 2008
9,344=00
9. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
Sep 20-21, 2008
9,135=00
10. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Sep 20-23, 2008
99,156=00
11. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Oct 19-23, 2008
1,46,557=00
12. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Oct 19-22, 2008
17,165=00
13. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Oct 28-Nov.1, 2008
55,397=00
14. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Thiruvanathapuram
Nov 10-13, 2008
24,001=00
15. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Mumbai
Nov 11-17, 2008
25,070=00
16. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Dec 10-13, 2008
16,293=00
17. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Mar 1-6, 2009
1,60,997=00
18. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Mar 1-4, 2009
19,534=00
19. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Delhi
Mar 11-14, 2009
14,933=00
Total 8,14,833=00
F.Y. 2009-10
Sr.No.
Name & Designation
Destination
Duration
Amount
1. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Kerala
May 10-17, 2009
1,39,781=00
2. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Bangalore
Jul 1-8, 2009
40,746=00
3. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Delhi
Jul. 22-25, 2009
10,651=00
4. U. D. Kamat, Director for NRI Affairs
Hyderabad
Jul 25-27, 2009
7,998=00
5. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Aug 2-8, 2009
59,247=00
6. VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Bangalore & Delhi
Aug. 23-30, 2009
9,118=00
7 VAdm John C De Silva (Retd), Chairman, Overseas
Employment Agency of Goa
Delhi
Sep. 7-10, 2009
23,248=00
8. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Delhi
Oct 20-24, 2009
1,22,715=00
9. Eduardo Faleiro, Commissioner for NRI Affairs
Bangalore
Jan 25-31, 2010
9,277=00
Total 4,22,781=00
---------------------------------------------------------
ANNEXURE- IV
4. Total expenses incurred by the Office of the Commissioner
for NRI Affairs on holding conventions/seminars and other
programmes from 23/02/2006 to date with details of
expenditure programme wise.
F. Y. 2006-07
Sr. No Events Expenditure
1. Symposium on NRIs and Family Values held at Goa
International Centre on July 22, 2006 Rs. 2,89,418=00
2. Global Goans Convention 2007 held at Cidade de Goa and
Secretariat Porvorim-Jan 3 -5, 2007 Rs. 39,31,470=00
F. Y. 2007-08
Sr. No Events Expenditure
1. 7th Know India Programme for Diaspora Youth organized by
Government of India from 29th August to 15th September 2007 -
co -hosted by Government of Goa in Goa from 2nd to 15th
September 2007 Rs. 7,23,421=00
2. Conference on Indian Expatriates in the Gulf Countries
held at Hotel Mandovi, Panaji-Goa on March 29,2008 Rs.
1,98,308=00
F. Y. 2008-09
Sr. No Events Expenditure
1. Conference on Building Bridges with Africa held at Cidade
de Goa on July 12, 2008 Rs. 3,88,740=00
2. 1st Know Goa Programme for Goan Diaspora Youth
organized in Goa and Delhi from 30th November to 14th
December 2008. Rs. 13,47,689=00
F. Y. 2009-10
Sr. No Events Expenditure
1. Conference on "Migration Trends and The Goa Migration
Study 2008" at Goa International Centre on October 9, 2009
Rs. 1,66,180=00
2. 2nd Know Goa Programme for Goan Diaspora Youth organized
in Goa and Delhi from 30th November to 14th December 2009.
Rs. 14,99,877=00
3. Conference on "Goans in Europe and Europeans in Goa:
Cultural Experiences and Identity" on 11th December 2009 at
Hotel Nova Goa, Panaji. Rs. 52,949=00
---------------------------------------------------------
ANNEXURE- V
5. Total expenses incurred by the office of the Commissioner
for NRI Affairs on various publications from 23/02/2006 to
date with details of expenditure publication wise.
The State Government in association with Government of India
had conducted " Goa Migration Study 2008" in order to (1)
study the magnitudes and dimensions of migration from Goa and
return migration to Goa; (2) assess annual flow and
estimation of remittances from Goan emigrants; (3) study
Socio-economic effect of migration on households and; (4)
understand rehabilitation issues of return emigrants.
An amount of Rs. 20.00 lakhs has been spent on conducting the
above study , of which 50% has been paid by Government of
India.
The report of Goa Migration Study, 2008 was released on 2nd
June, 2009 and the copy thereof is available in the office of
the Commissioner for NRI Affairs.
---------------------------------------------------------
Annexure-VI
6. Total expenses incurred by the office of the Commissioner
for NRI Affairs from 23/02/2006 to date on advertisements
released in various newspapers.
Financial Year Expenditure
2006-07 4,10,202=00
2007-08 4,14,914=00
2008-09 4,77,539=00
2009-10 4,69,568=00
---------------------------------------------------------
Annexure-VII
7. Kindly furnish the aims/objectives/goals of the Office of
Commissioner for NRI Affairs.
AIM
Sustainable engagement with the Goan diaspora over the medium
to long term in a manner that will best serve the State of
Goa and meet the expectations of overseas Goans across the
world.
OBJECTIVES
The Office of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs will pursue
the following objectives:
1. Interact with the overseas Goans on a sustained basis to
identify areas of mutual concern.
2. Effectively address the needs and concerns of Goans
overseas by providing an institutional platform and
formulating appropriate policies and programmes.
3. Strengthen the bond between Goa and the overseas Goans by
recognizing and celebrating their achievements.
GOALS
1. Developing an inclusive agenda for the Goan Diaspora.
2. Meaningful engagement of the State of Goa with the Goan
diaspora across the globe.
---------------------------------------------------------
Annexure-VIII
7. Kindly furnish the details of which of the
aims/objectives/goals of the Office of Commissioner for NRI
Affairs that have been achieved from 23/02/2006 to date.
The following are some of the steps taken by the office of
the Commissioner for NRI Affairs in furtherance of its
aims/objectives/goals.
a) A State Level Committee headed by the Commissioner for
NRI Affairs set up in January 2007 deals with redressal of
grievances of Non Resident Goans (NRGs) on various matters
including property related issues. This Committee is well
represented with District Collectors, Superintendents of
Police, Chief Town Planner, Director of Survey and
Settlement, Director of Industries Trade and Commerce, etc.
This Committee has taken follow-up action on various issues
with the Departments concerned and resolved several issues to
the satisfaction of affected NRGs.
b) Through the efforts made by the Office of the
Commissioner for NRI Affairs, the State Government has
amended the Goa Buildings (Lease, Rent and Eviction) Control
Act, 1968 so as to protect the property rights of NRIs and
enable them to recover possession of their premises when the
same are bonafide required for their own occupation or for
the occupation of any member of their family. The Amendment
Act which has come into force from 25th June, 2009 places the
NRI residing outside India, who is either a citizen of India
or is a Person of Indian Origin, on par with the members of
the Armed Forces of the Union or Central Government Employees
to whom this facility was extended earlier. In other words,
the NRIs (including NRGs) get the benefit of speedy justice
for recovery of possession of the premises.
c) The NRI website http://www.globalgoans.org.in launched in
November 2006 provide opportunity for the Goan Diaspora
across the world to interact with the NRI Cell. Through this
website, which is updated from time to time, the Government
policies are highlighted and vital information provided for
the benefit of Goans settled in other parts in India as well
as abroad. An email address has also been provided for
interaction with expatriate Goans.
d) "Goa Cards" has been issued to nearly 500 Goan
expatriates so far on request on payment of nominal charges
of Rs.250/- per card. The Goa Card holders get faster access
and better attention from Government Departments/Offices as
and when they visit them to pursue their problems including
time bound permission, licenses, etc. The Goa cards holders
have been extended certain benefits/concessions by Government
Undertakings, Private Hospitals, Hotels, etc. on their
services/facilities.
e) The Goa Migration Study 2008 commissioned by the office
Commissioner for NRI Affairs was released on June 2, 2009.
Goa is the second State after Kerala to have done a
scientific Migration Study. Such a study has not been done
even at the national level.
f) The Overseas Employment Agency of Goa (OEAG) established
as a society in the Office of the Commissioner for NRI
Affairs in January, 2007 has imparted Skill Upgradation and
Foreign Orientation Training to prospective job seekers in
various skilled trades under the Government of India Scheme
of Financial Assistance. So far, over thousand skilled
workers from /Goa in the trades of Plumber, Electrician,
Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Tailoring, Food Production and
Beverage Services, Mobile Repairs etc though the State
Directorate of Craftsmen Training and Agnel Institute, Verna
Goa. The OEAG has guided and helped a number of Goan youths
in getting gainfully employed in overseas establishments. It
also conducts short term courses in spoken Arabic.
g) The Overseas Goan Associations with the active help and
assistance of the Office of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs
and the Indian Missions, have organized the annual Goan
Conventions in Goa and in Lisbon (June, 2007), Toronto (July
2008) and Muscat (November 2009). Such Conventions have
helped for better understanding and resolution of problems
faced by the overseas goans.
h) A "Goa Scholarships Programme for Diaspora children"
(GSPDC) has been formulated for the benefit of wards of PIOs,
OCIs and NRIs of Goan origin who are desirous of pursuing
undergraduate studies in professional and general courses at
institutions affiliated to the Goa University or the Goa
Board of Technical Education.
i) The "My Village" scheme has been finalized for the
expatriates who are keen to participate in the development of
their villages and towns in Goa.
j) Steps have been taken and are being taken to prevent and
punish illegal recruiting agents and those recruiting agents
who cheat people intending to work abroad.
k) The "Know Goa Programme" has been initiated as an
annual feature intended to acquaint youth of Goan origin who
are not Indian Nationals and who have distinguished
themselves in their chosen area of activity. The Know Goa
Programme acquaints such youth with Goa in particular and
India in general so that they may contribute to promote
understanding and instill co operation between their country
of adoption and their country of origin which is India.
l) Due to efforts of Commissioner for NRI Affairs, about 200
Goan victims of the Kuwait war obtained compensation ranging
from Rs.4. lakhs to 50 lakhs. These persons would have been
otherwise deprived of their compensation since they did not
claim the amounts within the time limit of 6 months provided
by the United Nations Claims Commission (UNCC)
m) At the request of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs,
Government of India has delegated powers to the State
Government for authentication of educational certificates of
persons holding qualifications conferred by academic
institutions in Goa and desirous to go abroad for employment
or higher studies
n) On advice of Commissioner for NRI Affairs, the Ministries
of External Affairs and Overseas Indian Affairs have
authorized the Regional Passport Office in Goa to perform the
functions of the Protector of Emigrants for granting
Emigration Check Required Suspension (ECRS) for those
traveling on visit visas. In addition, six categories of
workers can now be granted Emigration Check Not Required by
the Regional Passport Office, Goa. These facilities have
benefited greatly all those categories of persons who earlier
had to approach the Protector of Emigrants in Mumbai and had
to incur substantial expenses and great inconvenience in the
process.
o) The Office of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs has
recommended to the State Government that 10 additional seats
should be created in the Goa Medical College and 5 seats in
the Dental College on supernumerary basis for the benefit of
children of non-resident Goans.
p) Goa University degrees were not recognized in some
countries such as Kuwait, Canada and New Zealand. This
problem has now been solved after interaction of the Office
of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs with the National Board
of Accreditation.
q) The Office of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs facilitates
grants of PIO and OCI cards to expatriate Goans holding
foreign passports.
r) The Office of the Commissioner for NRI Affairs interacts
with public sector banks and airlines for settlement of
grievances of non-resident Goans.
End quote
FOOTNOTE: The above text has been reformatted to suit the
plain-text format required by Goanet. For a copy of the
original and formatted reply, contact goanet-ad...@goanet.org
See other debate on this topic here
Aires Rodrigues: Time to ground NRI Commissioner
http://lists.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet-goanet.org/2010-July/195816.html
