AMRITSAR: Peeved over the alleged continued neglect of their longstanding issues, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) took up their concerns with the visiting senior Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor, in Hamburg, Germany. They raised issues such as property disputes, consular delays, investment hurdles, safe investment opportunities, and govt facilitations, urging Tharoor to push for reforms and amplify their voice in India.Parmod Kumar, President of the Indian Overseas Congress, Europe, told TOI on Monday that a delegation of NRIs discussed a series of challenges that NRIs continue to face despite taking them up with various govt departments in India for a long time.“Some of the prominent issues faced by us are the bureaucratic hurdles in property management, delays in consular services, and complications surrounding the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card procedures,” he said, adding that one of the core issues raised by Kumar was the urgent need to create a more conducive environment for NRIs to invest in India.He said that such investments not only strengthen India’s economic fabric but also provide a bridge between the Indian diaspora and their homeland. “Enabling smoother and safer investment channels would benefit both India and empower our (NRIs’) families with stronger financial ties and opportunities in our home regions,” said Parmod.He also appealed to Tharoor to advocate for policy reforms that simplify investment processes, particularly in sectors like real estate, startups, and renewable energy—areas where many NRIs have expressed keen interest. “With the right govt support, the NRI community could emerge as a significant force in India’s economic resurgence,” he said.He said that Tharoor gave them a positive and encouraging reply, acknowledged the vital contributions of the overseas Indian community, and assured the delegation that their concerns would be taken seriously. “Tharoor committed to raising our issues in the appropriate forums,” he said.Another focal point of the meeting was the Congress party’s strategy for the upcoming Bihar elections, said he adding that discussions were held on how the global Indian community, particularly those from Bihar living in Europe, could play a constructive role in supporting democratic processes and development efforts in the state, he said.Meanwhile, he informed that the NRIs have gathered to extend help to the flood victims in Punjab.
