The government of Punjab often highlights the existence of multiple institutional mechanisms meant for the welfare of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), particularly the large and influential Punjabi diaspora spread across countries like Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. On paper, at least three major agencies or departments are tasked with addressing NRI grievances ranging from property disputes to legal protection and administrative coordination. However, the stark reality on the ground presents a deeply troubling contradiction. Despite the presence of these bodies, there is little visible impact, and a growing perception among NRIs that these institutions are more symbolic than functional.
In recent years, a strong narrative of “NRI welfare” has been promoted through official statements, media campaigns, and high-profile diaspora outreach events. Governments have claimed that special cells, fast-track courts, and helplines are in place to ensure justice and security for overseas Punjabis. Yet, this narrative increasingly appears to be propaganda-driven rather than performance-based. Many NRIs allege that complaints remain unresolved for months or even years, and that bureaucratic inertia, corruption, and political interference dilute the effectiveness of these mechanisms.
One of the most alarming concerns is the rising number of attacks on NRIs visiting Punjab. Cases of intimidation, assault, and even murder have surfaced, shaking the confidence of the diaspora. In several instances, returning NRIs often elderly individuals have been targeted due to their perceived wealth or vulnerability. These incidents are not isolated; rather, they reflect a pattern where criminals exploit weak enforcement and slow legal processes. The absence of swift justice further emboldens such elements, creating a climate of fear.
Equally distressing is the widespread issue of property encroachment. Thousands of NRIs own ancestral land and houses in Punjab, but many face illegal कब्जा (encroachment) by local land mafias or even relatives. Legal battles to reclaim such properties often drag on endlessly, with allegations that local officials sometimes collude with encroachers. For NRIs living thousands of miles away, navigating the legal system becomes nearly impossible, despite the existence of “special NRI courts” that were meant to address exactly these issues.
The psychological impact of these developments is profound. A growing number of NRIs now hesitate to visit Punjab, fearing for their safety and assets. What was once seen as a homeland filled with emotional and cultural attachment is increasingly viewed through the lens of risk and insecurity. Families abroad advise their elders against traveling back, and investments that could have flowed into the state are being redirected elsewhere. This erosion of trust carries long-term economic and social consequences for Punjab.
The situation has evolved gradually but consistently over the past decade. Around the mid-2010s, the Punjab government began formally acknowledging NRI issues, leading to the establishment of dedicated departments and grievance cells. Initial optimism was high, with promises of transparency, digital complaint systems, and legal reforms. However, by the late 2010s, complaints started surfacing about delays and inefficiency, indicating that structural problems persisted beneath the surface.
Between 2020 and 2022, reports of property disputes involving NRIs increased significantly. The COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the situation, as many NRIs were unable to travel to India, making their properties more vulnerable to कब्जा. During this period, several high-profile cases highlighted how even repeated complaints to authorities failed to yield timely action.
From 2023 onwards, the issue took a more serious turn with reports of violent incidents, including attacks and murders linked to property disputes or personal targeting of NRIs. Social media and diaspora networks amplified these stories, creating global awareness and concern. By 2025–2026, the perception had solidified among many overseas Punjabis that Punjab was no longer a safe or secure place to visit without risk.
Today, despite the continued existence of three separate agencies dedicated to NRI welfare, the gap between promise and reality remains wide. The institutions that were meant to act as guardians of diaspora interests are often seen as ineffective, reactive, or inaccessible. Until there is a genuine shift from publicity to performance backed by accountability, legal reform, and strong policingthe trust deficit between Punjab and its diaspora is likely to deepen further. The Punjabi diaspora has long been a pillar of economic strength and global identity for the state. But without safety, justice, and respect for their rights, even the strongest bonds can weaken.