By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The largest umbrella organization of overseas Indians has urged the Indian government to withdraw a proposal to impose tax on non-resident Indians staying over 60 days during a visit to the homeland.
It will be detrimental to the interests of NRIs who contribute substantially to the nation’s development, the Global
Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) said in a resolution adopted during its biennial convention in Iselin, New Jersey earlier this month.
In other resolutions, GOPIO made a plea for a mechanism to enable NRIs to voice their grievances, nomination of a few prominent NRIs to the Rajya Sabha, initiation of suitable steps to set up fast track courts to deal with the growing number of property offences targeting NRIs and steps for speedy disposal of cases involving custody of children of NRI parents.
It also urged the government to augment the staff strength of consulates for the convenience of NRIs.
While welcoming the setting up of Global Advisory Council, GOPIO sought representation for diaspora organizations in the council.
Extending all support to the Know India Programme initiated by the government, it wanted a GOPIO-Pravasi member committee to be set up to initiate the programme.
Noting that more and more job seekers from India are falling prey to unscrupulous elements abroad, GOPIO urged the government to take suitable steps for the rehabilitation of such victims.
The organisation also urged the Government of India to end the discriminatory practices against NRIs at archeological sites and hotels.
GOPIO has also expressed special thanks to the authorities in Bahrain for taking prompt action to protect the Indian community during the recent disturbances.
(Arun Kumar can be contacted at [email protected])