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A significant challenge they face is the current criminal justice and legal systems in India, which do not permit NRIs to participate in hearings and inquiries online
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This has led to many NRIs, who cannot be physically present in India year-round, losing their cases
NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) have long been vulnerable to fraud, facing significant financial losses over the years. In response, there has been a growing demand for a specialized bill that would offer robust protection for their investments and savings in India. This initiative is being led by the NRI Grievances Group, a collective with over 1,000 members spread across more than 70 countries.
Vijayapura BJP MP and former Union minister Ramesh Jigajinagi has been at the forefront of this effort. He has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting a meeting to address the urgency of enacting such legislation. Subhas Balappanavar, the international convener of the NRI Grievances Group and a tech professional based in Phoenix, Arizona, emphasized the need for this bill in a recent conversation. “We are pushing for a meeting with PM Modi and his cabinet to advocate for this bill. PM Modi has consistently shown concern for NRIs, and his team has been receptive to our efforts. We aim to ensure that the proposed bill will safeguard NRIs from scams and fraud,” he stated.
The group has actively petitioned Indian embassies and consular offices in over 50 countries, calling for the Indian government to introduce a comprehensive bill that protects NRI investments and savings
Balappanavar highlighted the inefficiencies of the Indian legal system, noting that cases can drag on for decades. “The Indian legal system is notoriously slow, with cases dragging on for 20 or even 40 years. How can an NRI take leave for such extended periods? We are demanding that NRIs be allowed to participate in these proceedings online,” he added.
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