Over 5000 women who married to NRIs seek aid, government responds with support initiatives

The concerns raised encompass a spectrum of problems, from abandonment to domestic violence, prompting BJP MP Raksha Khadse to inquire about the government’s awareness and actions regarding such marriage-related predicaments

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

As the winter session of the Indian Parliament unfolds, disconcerting revelations about the challenges faced by Indian women married to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have come to light. A recent survey, conducted on December 15, disclosed startling statistics indicating that the Ministry of External Affairs of India received a total of 5339 complaints from Indian women married to NRIs between January 2020 and October 2023.

In the current year alone, spanning from January to October, 1187 women who ventured abroad through NRI marriages have lodged complaints concerning various marital issues. The concerns raised encompass a spectrum of problems, from abandonment to domestic violence, prompting BJP MP Raksha Khadse to inquire about the government’s awareness and actions regarding such marriage-related predicaments.

Responding to Khadse’s queries, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, V Muralidharan, affirmed that the government has been actively involved in safeguarding the rights and well-being of married Indian women and NRIs alike. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the government has implemented multiple measures to address issues such as abandonment, domestic violence, exploitation, and other disputes arising from NRI marriages.

Minister Muralidharan emphasized that the government has extended support through the provision of advice, guidance, and information on legal matters to the affected Indian women. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also facilitated online embassy assistance for victims through its dedicated portal MADAD (MEA in Aid of Diaspora in Dress), CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System), and various social media platforms.

In the wake of the rising number of complaints, the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Indian women facing challenges in NRI marriages remains steadfast, with ongoing efforts to address and alleviate the concerns raised by the affected community.

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