JALANDHAR/PUNJAB: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has strongly expressed its deep disappointment over the manner in which the genuine grievances of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are being handled in Punjab. NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal said that despite repeated announcements, meetings, NRI Milnis, commissions, committees and dedicated institutions, thousands of NRIs continue to run from pillar to post to resolve basic problems concerning their families, properties and investments in Punjab. Chahal said that NRI Milnis cannot become a substitute for an effective justice delivery mechanism. “NRIs are invited to meetings, their grievances are heard, applications are received, and assurances are given, but after the photographs, speeches and headlines disappear, many complainants are again left struggling with the same government offices,” he said.
He further said that one of the most painful issues confronting NRIs is the alleged encroachment upon ancestral and family properties. NRIs who have spent decades abroad often discover that their agricultural land, houses or other properties are occupied or involved in prolonged disputes. Because they live thousands of miles away, they are particularly vulnerable to forged documents, illegal possession, delayed revenue proceedings and complicated litigation.
“An NRI who has worked for decades abroad should not have to spend his or her retirement travelling repeatedly between Punjab, tehsil offices, police stations, revenue offices and courts merely to protect ancestral property,” Chahal said. “If the government genuinely wants the confidence of the diaspora, it must create a system where an NRI can submit a complaint from abroad and receive a time-bound, accountable response.”He also highlighted matrimonial and family disputes involving NRIs, which can become extremely complicated because the parties may live in different countries and jurisdictions. According to NAPA, such cases require specialised coordination between police, legal authorities, women and family welfare agencies, immigration authorities and relevant departments rather than forcing complainants to navigate the system individually.
“NRI Sabha has become white elephant
Chahal said the NRI Sabha Punjab, which was established with the objective of assisting the large Punjabi diaspora in resolving local issues, must undergo a complete review of its functioning, powers, accountability and effectiveness.“If an institution created specifically for the welfare of NRIs cannot effectively intervene when an NRI’s property is allegedly encroached upon or when a genuine grievance remains unresolved for years, then the government must honestly ask whether the institution is fulfilling the purpose for which it was created,” he said.NAPA described the present arrangement as requiring fundamental institutional reform rather than cosmetic changes. “The NRI Sabha cannot remain merely a name, office or ceremonial platform. It must either be given real authority and accountability or replaced with a stronger mechanism,” Chahal added.
NRI Commission must have real teeth
Chahal recalled that the NRI Commission came into existence following discussions and efforts involving NAPA with the then Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. However, he said that the Commission, despite its important purpose, has not developed the kind of effective enforcement mechanism required to provide confidence to ordinary NRIs.“NRI problems cannot be solved by institutions that can only recommend, forward applications or write letters. An authority dealing with NRI grievances must have statutory powers, defined jurisdiction, investigation capacity and the ability to make departments act within a prescribed time,” Chahal said.He stressed that the objective should not be to create another government office with another chairman, another staff and another building. Punjab needs an institution that can deliver results and hold officials accountable.