PM Modi hails 'invaluable contribution' of NRIs to the Indian economy

January 8, 2017

Bengaluru, Jan 8: Castigating the opponents of demonetisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said those terming the government's move as 'anti-people' were the "political worshippers" of graft and black money which were making the economy, polity and society hollow.

modinri

"Friends you know we have undertaken a big responsibilty in fighting black money and corruption... Black money and corruption have gradually made our polity, economy, society and the country hollow.

"It is unfortunate that there are some political worshippers (rajnaitik pujari) of black money who term our actions against it as anti-people," Modi said at the 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention here.

"It is very saddening to see some black money supporters maligning the moves against corruption," he said while thanking the Indian diaspora for supporting the government's steps against corruption and black money.

Emphasising the role played by overseas Indians in the country's development, the Prime Minister said they have made an "invaluable contribution" to the Indian economy by investing over 69 billion US dollars.

"For me, FDI has two definitions -- one is 'Foreign Direct Investment' and the other is 'First Develop India'," he said, asserting that "I can say with full confidence that 21st century belong to India."

Referring to the earlier trend of brain drain, he said "we want to change brain drain to brain gain" and added that the government will soon launch a skill development programme 'Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojna' for the Indian youth seeking employment abroad.

Welcoming the efforts of Indian diaspora to strengthen the country's partnership with the overseas Indian community, Modi said "we don't see the colour of the passports, but the relations written by blood which matter the most."

Encouraging all PIO Card holders to convert their PIO Cards into OCI Cards, Modi said "we have extended the deadline for PIO card conversions to OCI from 31 December 2016, until June 30, 2017 without any penalty."

He also spoke about the various measures for welfare and safety of Indians abroad, from carrying out evacuation of Indians in distress to other steps taken by his government in last two years, specifically mentioning the efforts of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in this regard.

He also said that starting with Mauritius, his government was working to put in place procedures so that descendants of various Indian communities could become eligible for OCI cards, by addressing the difficulties of PIOs in Fiji, Reunion Islands, Suriname, Guyana and other Caribbean States.

Comments

Althaf
 - 
Sunday, 8 Jan 2017

Dear PM
You have already spoiled the life of poor indians now please do not do any stupid rules for NRI's .

Skazi
 - 
Sunday, 8 Jan 2017

It seems that the attendees of the meeting are dumb and deaf .... If Modi praises the contribution of NRIs, then they should not be treated as second class citizens....The NRI s are not given chance to exchange the old notes..... All NRIs can not visit by 30 june to exchange the old notes.... they can come only during their vacations... If their vacations are not due, does Modi expect the NRI's, to come to india , just for exchanging old notes....If one has to exchange 5000 rupees, then he has to spend about 30 - 40 thousands for air ticket....Nothing but Tuglak Raj ...

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April 15,2020

Mangaluru, Apr 15: A 27-year-old man, who died of breathing problem at Banglagudda in Surathkal, has tested negative for COVID-19.

The entire area was panic-stricken following his death on Tuesday evening. Suspecting COVID-19, his throat swab samples were collected, said Mangaluru North MLA Dr Y Bharath Shetty. Now the test has proved he was negative for coronavirus.

The youth had collapsed suddenly on Tuesday evening and was rushed to a hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead.

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April 15,2020

Bengaluru, Apr 15: Bengaluru Commissioner of Police, Bhaskar Rao, said that prohibitory order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973, will remain in place for all parts of the City Commissionerate till April 20.

Section 144 of CrPC prohibits the assembly of four or more people in an area.

"Prohibitory order under section 144 of CrPC will remain in force, in all parts of the Bengaluru City Commissionerate for a period up to 12 am of April 20 with effect from 12 am of April 14," according to Rao.

Karnataka, so far, has 258 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 9 deaths being reported due to the infection, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday.

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March 30,2020

Bengaluru, Mar 30: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday appealed to people to strictly follow the restrictions in the state, saying that the ending of 21-day nationwide lockdown imposed to contain COVID-19 depends on how the public adheres to the rules.

In a press statement, Yediyurappa appealed to the people to help the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus by strictly following the lockdown.

"People of Karnataka are known for tolerance and patience. They are law-abiding citizens. Now, the lockdown in wake of coronavirus is a testing time for them. It has come to test the patience of our people, especially the people of Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has apologized and said that lockdown was an inevitable step taken by the government to protect people from the pandemic. We have to realise the predicament of a prime minister who always cares for the well being of the country and its people," the statement quoted Yediyurappa as saying.

"At this hour of crisis, it is not good on our part to come out of houses and violate the curfew. The ending of lockdown depends on strictness with which one follows the curfew and maintain social distancing. If one follows the curfew strictly, the lockdown period will automatically end on April 14. Whether to end the lockdown or not is in your hands," he said.

The Chief Minister urged not to test the patience of police, saying, "Already our police are under stress as they are working without any rest. Do not force them to use the force and later blame them for stern action."

He also appealed to follow the lockdown provisions and stay back in their home.
"The government has taken all measures to maintain the supply of essentials and food to the needy. Consider this situation as a blessing in disguise and spend your valuable time reading books which in turn will boost your knowledge and intellectual capacity. My earnest request to even the poor is spending your time by involving yourselves in creative activities inside your houses," Yediyurappa said.

"At the same time, it is time for us to respect the sacrificing work of the doctors, nurses, health staff and civic workers who are working round the clock to save the lives of hundreds of people affected by coronavirus. My appeal to you all strictly follows the curfew rules and maintains the social distance to combat COVID-19," he added.

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