Punjab Government plans agro-based industries to curb illegal migration
Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal revealed that 3,225 travel agents have been booked in the past three years for facilitating illegal migration while announcing plans to set up agro-based industries to increase employment opportunities for the state’s youth, reported tribuneindia.com.
The government aims to curb illegal migration by creating local employment opportunities.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Dhaliwal said the Punjab government is considering establishing agro-based industrial units to provide jobs and prevent youth from seeking illegal routes to migrate abroad.
He criticized previous governments for failing to create such opportunities, which has led many young Punjabis to seek work overseas through illegal means.
“Had these industries been established earlier, our youth would not be languishing in Panama. It is our duty to assist the deported youth. We will not promise them government jobs, but we will invite major industrial groups to Punjab where they can find employment according to their skills,” Dhaliwal said.
Government Cracks Down on Illegal Migration
Commenting on a recent sting operation exposing illegal agents who charge money to send youth via “donkey routes” to the US, Dhaliwal said he had not yet viewed the video but would instruct senior police officials to take immediate action.
He revealed that 3,225 travel agents involved in illegal migration have been booked over the past three years and assured that law enforcement remains vigilant.
Professor Ronki Ram of Panjab University pointed out that the trend of illegal migration dates back to 1834. However, Dhaliwal highlighted that Punjabis began emigrating illegally during the turbulent period of terrorism in the state.
“By my estimate, of all Punjabis who emigrated abroad by the year 2000, only 30 per cent did so illegally. Over time, the desperation to move abroad grew so intense that people even faked marriages,” the minister said.
Challenges Faced by Punjabi Diaspora
Dhaliwal also criticized the state’s education system for failing to teach English effectively, leading to a surge in private IELTS coaching centers. Drawing a comparison, he praised Kerala’s government for offering IELTS coaching in public schools to prepare students for legal migration.
He further highlighted the bureaucratic hurdles faced by the Punjabi diaspora, identifying tehsildars, patwaris, SHOs, and police clerks as the primary officials causing harassment. His remarks drew loud cheers from the NRI audience.
Sharing his personal journey, Dhaliwal recounted his 13 years in the US, where he worked in restaurants and drove taxis. “Two of my children still live in the US, but I gave up my American citizenship to return and serve Punjab. I urge you to ensure your children study well and migrate legally,” he concluded.
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