I am deeply saddened by Indian-origin British MP Verinder Sharma’s recent statement that mistrust and insecurity among NRIs had increased in recent times, thus reducing the flow of NRI investments into the state. His comments have come as a big blow as Punjab is pulling out all the stops to woo investors, especially NRIs.
Sharma has blamed the drug menace and land mafia for the mistrust among NRIs. This is not the first time NRIs have complained about the land mafia in the state. Many NRIs have earlier said they wanted to sell their lands as they were wary of the mafia. They have complained of lack of transparency and corruption in the public administrative system. There have been complaints of illegal encroachment of land and false cases to exploit NRIs for money.
In such a critical situation, I am surprised that the Punjab government did not hold the annual NRI conclave. I fully agree with Mr. Sharma that with so much mistrust among NRIs, the government must convey the message that all is well in the state and that it would like to allay their fears. Hence, the conclave should have been held to address these issues.
I hope the government takes concrete steps to uproot corruption in the bureaucracy and streamline policies and procedures for NRI investments in the state.