NRK PROTECTION

 

NON-RESIDENT KERALITES AND GOVERNMENTAL ACTIONS FOR PROTECTION OF THEIR INTERESTS

Non-resident Keralites emerged as strong segment of our population over the last three decades. Their valuable contribution to the economy of our Nation is now well-established. The Non-resident Keralites account for about 58% of the total remittances made by Non-resident Indians. No organised efforts had been taken on a systematic basis for protecting and promoting their interests until the formation of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites' Affairs (NORKA) in 1996. Later, a separate corporate entity -ROOTS- NRK Development Initiative was created, as the field agency under the Department of NORKA with a separate administrative set up. There was criticism that the Governmental initiative was very limited in the area. Governmental assistance was needed not only for the dead (such as in obviating the delay in speedy dispatch of those dying abroad) but also for the living. A series of national and international conferences were held thereafter to identify the problems of the Non-resident Keralites and focus on the relief measures. One aspect highlighted related to the legal problems facing the NRKs. Acting in association with a credible Non-Governmental agency competent to deal with such problems appeared to the Government as a better arrangement and, the Government decided that an arrangement could be made with NIYAMA SAMEEKSHA which had been active in the field of Legal Literacy, and having its activities in various court complexes in Kerala and outside. That organisation had been conferred 'Associate Status', by the Kerala Legal services authority, a statutory body constituted under a parliamentary enactment and presided over by a sitting Judge of the High Court, Justice Gaffoor. Accordingly, a formal agreement was executed on 27-01-2004 for implementing measures intended to protect and promote the interests of NRKs in the legal spheres and the announcement about the formation of such an arrangement was duly made by the Hon'ble Minister Mr. M. Hassan. NORKA-NISA office started functioning in Niyama Sameeksha premises, close to the High Court of Kerala. It is equipped with all modern gadgets -Telephone facility STD and ISD included, Fax and E-Mail. NISA has the patronage of eminent jurists like Justice K.S. Paripoornan, former Judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Sreedevi and Justice Hariharan Nair have offered their services for attending to the problems of NRKs. NISA also receives the co-operation of the retired judicial officers. It is an Association which ensures guidance to talented younger generation of lawyers in effectively and expeditiously attending to the problems. The young lawyers had vast experiences in serving the cause of legal literacy and in teaching the Teachers about the Law Lesson scheme prepared by KELSA. A permanent arrangement and an office to receive representations throughout all days in the year has thus come into being. As was expected, this gave a great relief to very many NRKs and their families. It is desirable, as a gesture of administrative functioning, transparent and accountable, to place before the public the details of the activities hitherto carried out and to indicate future programmes of action.                                  Related Documents:                                                NORKA-NISA ACTION REPORTS               Click Here for Legal Cell registration. Already registered Login here.                        Learn more our Terms & Privacy here.