NRI body demands welfare scheme for expatriates

Kozhikode, Aug 1 (UNI) A Non-Resident Indians' (NRI) welfare body today urged the Central and State Governments to formulate an effective welfare scheme for expatriates by properly utilising their remittances to the country.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr K V Shamsudheen, Chairman of the Sharjah-based Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust (PBWT), said after toiling for many years overseas and braving extreme climate conditions, they had to live in penury on return as their hard earned money was being completely used by their kin for their comforts.

Quoting a survey conducted by the trust among the workers, he said a majority of Indians working abroad, particularly in the West Asia were middle income groups, who had to send their entire earning to the families.

But the families were least concerned about saving some money out of the remittance for the workers, the survey found.

Instead, they demanded more money for leading a lavish life without considering the miserable conditions of the workers, the survey had pointed out.

The survey also found that suicide rate among expatriate Indians was rising as they were unable to cope with increasing demands, he said adding as many as 100 people committed suicide ng 2006 alone.

Stressing on the importance of an effective mechanism, he said the government should create awareness among the families of the NRIs to cultivate thrift and saving habits for the future of the hapless workers.

UNI