Chandigarh, August 22
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh and UK Member of Parliament and Chair of the Defence Committee of the British Parliament, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, held a meeting in Chandigarh to discuss a range of issues concerning the Punjabi diaspora, including air connectivity, investment, and protection of NRI properties. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Paramjit Singh Raipur was also present.
The meeting focused on the need to introduce more international flights from Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, Amritsar, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh, besides expanding existing direct air services. The leaders also discussed strengthening direct connectivity between Punjab and London, Birmingham and other major European cities, along with improving cargo infrastructure at both airports to facilitate international freight movement.
Dhesi said improved air and cargo connectivity was essential to strengthening economic ties between Punjab and the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. He noted that better connectivity could give a major boost to Punjab’s industry, agriculture, trade, tourism and employment, while also encouraging overseas Punjabis to invest more in the state.
aatch…..Harsimranjit Shines as Puadh Express Continue Winning Run
The issue of land and property disputes involving NRIs also came up for detailed discussion. Dhesi stressed the need for such cases to be resolved within a fixed timeframe and called for effective mechanisms to ensure that NRIs do not have to make repeated trips to Punjab or remain caught up in prolonged judicial and administrative procedures.
He also called for the speedy resolution of complaints related to property fraud, cybercrime and other offences affecting Punjabis living abroad.
Dhesi further expressed concern over threats and extortion demands faced by Punjabi businesspersons, industrialists and sports promoters settled overseas. He said issues relating to the safety of overseas Punjabis and protection of their business interests should be brought to the notice of the Central Government and relevant security agencies.
The meeting also discussed the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and steps required to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted movement of pilgrims through the corridor.
Both leaders agreed that addressing these concerns effectively would help further strengthen the economic, social and cultural ties between Punjab and Punjabis across the globe.
NRI Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh assured that the Punjab Government would continue to give priority to issues concerning overseas Punjabis and would raise relevant matters at the appropriate forums.
