To bring the Indian diaspora closer to their home state of Karnataka, a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Forum has been formed in Dubai which would act as a bridge between the NRIs living in United Arab Emirates and the State government. This NRI Forum was inaugurated recently by Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka.
He promised that the NRI forum will get all legal and financial support from the Karnataka government and urged the forum to act as a catalyst in making the State consolidate its position as a vibrant investor-friendly State.
Addressing the members of the forum, the Chief Minister said, “Our priority is to address the grievances of the people. Karnataka now has become the number one investment-friendly State for Indians and also number two for foreign direct investment.”
Siddaramaiah also informed about his government’s plan to issue special identity cards to NRIs from Karnataka and said the ID cards would help them avail of certain benefits in their home state.
B.R. Shetty, honorary president of the NRI Forum, urged non-resident Kannadigas to invest in Karnataka and said that he had already invested in several ventures, including Jog Falls tourism development and a major hospital in Udupi, and also dialysis centres in all hospitals throughout Karnataka. He also informed that the Abu Dhabi government is very keen on investing in Karnataka.
Kumar Shetty, president of the NRI Forum, said, “One of the prime objectives of the forum is to encourage NRIs to invest in industries, projects and research in Karnataka, develop programmes in social, economic spheres and promote the well-being and welfare of NRI Kannadigas in the UAE.”
On the occasion, Vipul, Indian Consul-General to Dubai , UT Khader, Karnataka Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Dr Arathi Krishna, vice-president of NRI Forum were also present.
