Impact of Gulf job crisis on Kannadigas: ISF delegation meets Dakshina Kannada DC

Mangaluru, Jan 23: A delegation led by Mohammad Shareef Jokatte, president Indian Social Forum (ISF) Karnataka Eastern Province Saudi Arabia met Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S on 23rd January 2019 at his office in the city. The delegation discussed various issues related to the potential rehabilitation programs that can be implemented for Non Resident Kannadigas (NRK) impacted by Gulf Country’s job market crisis.

ISF demanded swift intervention of Government of Karnataka in understanding the impact of the Gulf Job crisis on NRKs and provide suitable rehabilitation program for the affected Gulf return NRKs. Delegation further discussed about the recent promise made by District In-charge minister U T Khader about setting up the Help Desk at DC office, although no further action taken in implementing the promise.

Unlike neighbouring states Kerala and Telangana, Karnataka Government is completely unaware on the count of NRKs working in GCC and number of people impacted by the crisis.

Hence starting a registration center in at the Deputy Commissioner Office would be an ideal solution to maintain the data about Gulf returnee NRKs, delegation stressed during the discussion with Deputy Commissioner. Considering the contributions made by these Gulf NRKs to the state, appropriate rehabilitation measures will be implemented for the Gulf return NRKs, DC assured the delegation.

Indian Social Forum had earlier submitted a study report to Mr. Zameer Ahmed Minister of Minorities Welfare, Haj and Wakf Department, report was based on ground surveys, interviews and case studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and it also included set of recommendations to the Government for Gulf NRKs. Mr Shareef, Majeed, Ibrahim, Rasheed and Haneef were present in the Indian Social Forum delegation team.