Parkash Singh Badal assures NRIs of speedy redressal of problems

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today assured state's NRI community that his government will ensure speedy disposal of all problems faced by them, including the land disputes and civil matters.

Speaking at the two-day 'Pravasi Punjabi Sammelan' near Phagwara, Badal asked his NRI Affairs Minister Bikram Singh Majithia to examine all issues that came up during discussion at the summit before taking a final decision in this regard.

He asked Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and Majithia to regularly coordinate with the NRIs for ensuring implementation of the decisions in a time bound manner.

Blaming "communication gap" for glitches on front of implementation, the Chief Minister asked the Indian diaspora to suggest the government for improvement in any scheme meant for them.

Seeking cooperation in imparting skills to state's unemployed youth, Badal said the state government was ready to provide requisite infrastructure for the purpose.

The state has already tied up with Germany for a skill development program under which five lakh youth will be imparted skill training over a period of five years, he said.

The Chief Minister also sought their help in preparing a blueprint for tackling with the problem of unemployment.

Badal requested the NRI professionals from various domains to help government effectively implement schemes related to healthcare, medical research, farm research and infrastructure development.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced scholarship for 50 students belonging to economically-weaker sections to facilitate them pursue higher studies abroad.

He also announced development grant for projects initiated by NRIs in their native places.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, in his address, called upon the NRIs not to get influenced by "false propaganda" of the political opponents.