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Capt Ganesh Karnik Responds to Open Letter, Assures Justice to NRIs
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore
Mangalore, Jul 26: Following the open letter in Daijiworld and the resulting public outrage over his apathy in addressing issues concerning NRIs, Capt Ganesh Karnik, within a couple of hours of the letter's publication, assured that he will do everything in his power to get justice for NRIs.
Capt Karnik, who called Daijiworld editor-in-chief Walter Nandalike on phone in response to the latter's letter, said that he regrets the inconvenience caused due to lapse in communication, as he was busy with Presidential poll and the ongoing state legislative session. "I regret that due to my busy schedule, I could not concentrate on these issues. I am aware of the problems faced by NRIs in Mangalore Airport customs," he said.
"Once the legislative session gets over on August 2, I will visit Mangalore and meet the Airport customs commissioner, and address the issues faced by NRIs," he assured.
"Working for NRIs has always been a priority for me. I consider it very important, and I will do my best to ensure that NRIs get justice. All NRI issues will be addressed to the departments concerned and efforts will be made to find appropriate solutions," he said.
In addition, Mangalore south MLA U T Khader also read and responded to the letter. He too called the editor-in-chief and offered his services and help in tackling the issues concerning NRIs. "I am ready to do everything within my capacity," he said.
We hope that prompt action will be taken on the promises, and that Capt Karnik will look into the problems at the earliest. We also hope that we will not need another open letter as a reminder.
Open Letter to Ganesh Karnik - Deputy Chairman, NRI Cell - Karnataka
July 26, 2012
From,
Walter Nandalike
Editor-in-chief
Daijiworld.com
To,
Captain Ganesh Karnik
MLC and Deputy Chairman,
NRI Cell, Karnataka Govt
CC:
Jagadish Shettar
Chief Minister of Karnataka
Nalin Kumar Kateel
Member of Parliament, Mangalore
Jayaprakash Hegde
Member of Parliament, Udupi - Chikmagalur
Sub : Your negligence in addressing the problems of NRIs from Coastal Region
Dear Sir,
In the year 2008, when you were appointed Karnataka State's first NRI Cell's deputy chairman, we the people of coastal region, especially NRIs, were very happy, and had high expectations from you. Being young and dynamic, you inspired many through your good work and your humble nature.
You have inspired the people abroad, especially in the Gulf region to start NRI associations in order to work for the betterment of NRIs. Your intention was two-way - to get benefits from the state government to the NRIs, and from NRIs to the state.
When you attended the inaugural function of Gulf Karnataka Forum, you, like any other seasoned politician, gave many assurances. But people had confidence in you, as they consider you not as a politician, but a true intellectual who easily understands the problems of people, and approaches them in the right way. You made a commitment to the people on working out the following issues:
Treating NRK (Non-resident people of Karnataka) children on par with locals in CET exams, and introducing Kannada oral exam instead of written;
NRK identity cards in place of ration cards;
NRK helpline offices at three places as a single window;
Insurance schemes in collaboration with national insurance companies;
Encouragement to NRI housing projects;
High-level delegation to inform and educate NRKs on welfare activities, children's education, investment opportunities, etc;
Partner in progress in the welfare of Karnataka people living in the Gulf
(This is the link for detailed news published in daijiworld : http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=80126)
Later you travelled around the Gulf, attended public events, assured several things. In Kuwait, Doha, Muscat and Bahrain too people placed high hopes on you.
But sir, what has happened to the NRI Cell now ?
Is it still alive ?
If so, why are you neglecting some of the burning issues pertaining NRIs, like the recent problems faced by them at the Mangalore Airport ?
When our correspondent approached you on July 17, 2012 to brief you on the latest problems, you said you were aware of them, and that you read the content in Daijiworld. You told our correspondent that you were busy in Bangalore in connection with the Presidential polls
Yes, we agree that for you, Presidential poll is more important than understanding the problems of NRIs.
On July 19, once again our correspondent called you for a follow-up. You said you were in a function and would call us back shortly.
You never returned the call.
Fine, we called you again on July 24, 2012. You again told us you would call back.
Same day, we called you again, but you disconnected the call.
We sent you SMS asking whether you were still holding your position in the NRI Cell. No reply.
You were simply not bothered to return our calls or reply to our SMS, not even for courtesy sake. Perhaps, you too felt that NRI stood for Not Required Indian !
Is this what we expect of a highly educated Member of Legislative Council, that too one elected by the teachers of this region?
For your information, when we called MP Nalin Kumar, he was more than happy to assist us in every possible way. He not only assured us his support, but even took the initiative to follow up on the issue. He has given us enough time to listen to our concerns.
When we called Udupi MP J P Hegde he was in a public function, but exactly after an hour he called us back and gave us a patient listening. He assured us that he would fight for us in the Parliament.
We are aware that the state government has nothing to do with Mangalore Airport or its customs problems. We are not demanding any solution from the state government.
But as you are officially responsible for NRI affairs of the state, you would be the ideal person to take up the matter concerning NRIs with the central government.
We had hoped your action would carry weight, and that the central government would address our problems quickly.
In case you have forgotten all those promises made to NRIs and need to be reminded about your duties towards the people, please follow the two links we have inserted from daijiworld archives.
We are forced to write this letter as there was no other way to reach you.
In case you are still interested in working for the betterment of NRIs of Karnataka, we will be more than happy to join hands with you by briefing you on our concerns.
If not, Captain Ganesh Karnik - Thanks so much for all the things you have done for us.
We wish you good luck in your political career.
Yours faithfully,
Walter Nandalike
Editor-in-chief
Daijiworld.com
The 'Promised' Links :
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captkarnik@rediffmail.com