Dear Leaders of Pravasi /NRI Organizations and Friends,
A series of meetings, both physical and over teleconference, were held during the past, involving representatives of different federations of NRI organizations and reached an unanimous decision to form a ‘Representative/coordinating Body’ to represent all Pravasis. Accordingly, a non-profit public Trust by name ‘PRAVASI CONCLAVE TRUST’ was registered on Jan 23, 2020. This Trust has 15 initial Trustees and an Executive Committee holding voluntary positions of Chairman, President, Secretary and Treasurer. An Administrative Office for the Trust was set up at Ernakulam under an Executive team to give appropriate services to Pravasis.
We welcome all Pravasi organizations of Malayalis as well as people from other Indian states, all over the world, for the coordination and follow up of their concerns/genuine issues directly to Central and State Govt Ministries in India.
Please bear in mind that there are five lakhs Malayalis in USA and over two million in Middle East, Europe, Africa and Far East. Similarly, millions from other states of India. But there is no collective representation to address the issues concerning the Pravasi community. They all look upon the community leaders to act together to achieve things beneficial to all by addressing their critical issues. In this context also please note that there are over 40 lakhs returned Pravasis in Kerala itself, facing several problems. They all are prepared to join hands with us, if we are prepared to take them along with us. Then only the law makers will think positively to address our issues expeditiously.
During the past four years we have effectively helped a number of Pravasis through
a. The Property Protection Commission of Kerala under the retired Justice P.D. Rajan .
b. An MOU was signed with an international “ Mediation & Arbitration’ Center for helping businesses expeditiously to settle disputes without long litigations
c. Rehabilitation projects such as Pravasree Haritham project for helping returned NRIs and for promoting post harvest processing of agricultural products
d. Assisted living for the seniors and sick parents of Pravasis in Kerala- ex: ANSFRID
e. The process of district wise protection and maintenance of Pravasi properties is in progress
The PCT office shall be strengthened by enough staff, progressively, to give the needed services. The following topics are prioritized under our immediate action plan.
1. Re-establish a full fledged ministry to address Overseas Affairs of Pravasi Indians under a minister with cabinet rank
2. Expeditious resolution of disputes/legal conflicts faced by Pravasis through “Mediation & Arbitration’ service and Property Protection Commission chaired by Justice Rajan.
3. Getting a stand alone OCI card with biometrics for travel to India. Present card is linked to foreign passports.
4. Safe & secure as well as economic stay and tour arrangement in Kerala /India
5. Facilitate seniors/retired people of Indian origin to resettle back in India and enjoy all their old age home facilities in India using their job pensions and Social security privileges including Medicare etc.
6. Take appropriate action by central Ministry and RBI to avoid freezing of bank accounts of NRIs and their registered NGOs.
Our office staff in Kochi are now available 24x7 to help registered Pravasis/OCIs and we look forward to your continued support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Alex Vilanilam Koshy
Chairman of PCT