Government reveals data on complaints received from NRI women about alleged abandonment by their spouses abroad
In the last five years, a total of 1,617 complaints have been received from NRI women who claim to have been abandoned by their spouses living abroad, according to the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha on March 27, 2025, reported dailyexcelsior.com.
Government’s Efforts to Address Abandonment and Matrimonial Disputes
Singh clarified that while state governments or UT administrations maintain data about women whose husbands have left them in India and settled abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) tracks complaints from women who are allegedly abandoned abroad.
Kirti Vardhan Singh further explained that the government has taken several steps to assist these women, including providing counselling, guidance, and legal support through Indian Missions and Posts abroad.
The government has implemented multiple measures to help distressed NRI women, including online consular assistance via platforms like MADAD and CPGRAMS, and regular interactions with local Indian communities, NGOs, and associations to address grievances. Additionally, a 24×7 helpline has been established for emergency situations.
Legal and Financial Support for Distressed NRI Women
The government also offers financial and legal assistance under the Indian Community Welfare Fund for women in distress.
Other support mechanisms, including assistance from women’s organizations and NGOs, are in place to ensure help for affected individuals. These measures aim to provide comprehensive support to those facing abandonment, domestic violence, and other matrimonial disputes abroad.
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