Rodrigues seeks NRIs' participation in development process

Chandigarh, Jan 14 (UNI) Impressing upon the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), the need to strengthen their investment partnerships on equal terms, the Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gen (Retd) S F Rodrigues today appealed the NRIs to help the country with their expertise and knowledge in different fields of endeavour.

Gen Rodrigues while inaugurating a conference on 'Indian Diaspora--Migration and Development' with the focus on Punjab, here said, ''India is on the fast-track of development process and its further advancement is attracting favourable attention from all quarters. Your active involvement with zeal and commitment, your professional expertise and broad vision can give a major boost to our endeavours.'' ''The Century belongs to India and it has emerged as one of the major global players in the economy with a vast pool of knowledge workers and professionals. The World is looking towards India for meeting the needs of a skilled and un-skilled workforce.'' He complemented the NRIs who despite hostile environments in some countries made their mark and achieved excellence in different fields of activity.

General Rodrigues said there is a major scope of participation by NRIs in the developmental process and economic growth of the region, by making investments in different fields of the economy.

Expressing his concern over the increase in illegal immigration from India to other countries, he said, ''There is a need of institutionalising the system for the flow of the workforce to other countries through legal modes.'' UNI PS NY KP1952