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Non
Resident Keralites constitute a vital and vibrant
segment of Kerala society. The economy of the state
is built on by the blood, sweat and tears of those
who toil in the desert soil.
The sufferings of this section of people are many
and varied. Those who migrate to foreign countries
have their problems. The very process of migration
is enmeshed in the legal and administrative
problems.
Those who have migrated have their problems, civil
disputes criminal complaints and family problems.
The Government of Kerala has been alive to problems
faced by the emigrants.
A machinery set up under the joint auspices of the
Government and a non Governmental organization
Niyama Sameeksha recognized credentials had been
doing substential services in this area.
A press conference held on 14.06.2004 in this hall
where media persons actively participated, generated
wonderful results.
There was an unending stream of telephones, fax
messages and e-mails from different part of the
World. Many had still to nurse the bleeding injuries
caused by legal operations.
There was a virtual procession of aggrieved persons
to the Cochin office of Niyama Sameeksha.
NORKA-NISA is happy to report that the efforts taken
by the new system have borne fruits.
One person wanted his wife to return from Kuwait
where she was experiencing extreme difficulties, to
put it mildly. The happy husband wrote to us: The
personal details are not disposed due to obvious
reasons.
Another person had been working in a gulf country
for decades. He built a new house. Electricity
connection could not be obtained due to minor
obstruction from a neighbour. The home missed
sweetness and light.
Niyama Sameeksha took up the matter through the
legal and administrative line. We could provide
services of former judicial officer now practicing
in Trichur.
The hearing is over. Favourable orders are expected.
A marine engineer shabbily treated by a Multi-
National Corporation sought legal services from
Niyama Sameeksha. That was of case of wanton
violation of human rights and legal provisions.
The Multi-National Corporation has been forced to
react. This has hastened the process of obtaining
justice in the matter.
These are only instances illustrative and not
exhaustive. It was in the above situation the
Government of Kerala along with Niyama Sameeksha
took positive and concrete steps to focus on the
origin amplitude of the problems of emigrants.
Two seminars were held in Kozhikode and one in
Kochi. The opinions gathered from representatives of
the Recruiting Agents Travel Agents Governmental
authorities, Tourist operators and the media had
been collected collated and co-ordinate.
Whenever an untoward incident happens in a foreign
country whether it be in Kuwait or Iraq or else
where, the first target of attack is State
Government . Law and order is exclusive domain of
the State Government. The policeman is the symbol of
governance dealing with cheating or fraud practiced
on emigrants.
It was realized that there was a fundamental
misconception relating to emigrants. The entire
chains of powers are with the Central Government.
At a time where emigration are not assumed the
importance as now, Parliament enacted a legislation
the Emigration Act 1983.
Much water have fall from the rivers of India. The
experiences in the implementation of the provision
have to be accessed the deficiencies the diagnosis
and remedies prescribed. It was felt that the
initiate in this regarded must be come from the
State particularly enlighten State like Kerala.
Minister Hussan who had expended much energy and
thought indicated this intention to constitute a
committee to study the problem and suggest
amendments to the Act and to offer views on
incidental matters.
The Government Order encapsulates the background
problems, the pointed issues to be considered and a
comprehensive and well studied report in this
matter. (A copy of Government Order available
here.)
The bio-data of the members of the committee would
indicate the competence and experience.
The success of a committee, however depends on the
response of the people highlighting the grievances
and presenting the tentative views on solutions.
26.06.2004. |
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