The Congress government in Karnataka is all set to introduce a ‘Kannadiga Card’ for Non-Resident Kannadigas (NRKs), which would unlock exclusive benefits, attract fresh investments and fortify relationships with Kannadigas globally.
“This is a concerted effort to consolidate Kannadigas across the world. Our diaspora is well-entrenched in several countries and businesses as well. The state and Kannadigas will benefit from this move and a policy will strengthen the cause,” Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge told News18.
The roots of this initiative go back to 2017 when it was initially proposed during the tenure of the Siddaramaiah government (2013-2018). It has now been revived by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who has been actively pushing for it.
The ‘Kannadiga card’ is aimed at strengthening bonds with its Non-Resident Kannadiga (NRK) community, while simultaneously positioning Karnataka as a hub for business incubation that could be tailored to NRKs’ investment opportunities, News18 has learnt.
The minister explained how many NRKs, when they visit their homes in the state, utilise medical facilities as in some countries it is very expensive to get even dental work done.
“There are many NRKs who have approached me and said they would like to do something to give back to their homeland, be it in medicine, education, software development, technology, setting up their manufacturing units — the opportunities are vast. Non-resident Kannadigas have the will, we are just showing them the way to implement it,” said Kharge.
In the draft policy submitted by the deputy chief minister to the government earlier this week, the senior Congress minister explained that the Kannadiga Card or NRK card may also co-brand with banks and corporates while helping the holder avail discounts during their stay in Karnataka.
“While an NRK can avail special discounts in hotels, hospitals, shopping, etc., the card is also expected to help expedite any service that the person would have in the state government departments,” the minister said.
In the 2017 draft, it was proposed that during the time an NRK is traveling in India, they should also get a special accident cover of up to Rs 2 lakh. This may also find implementation in the new draft.
Just like Kerala and Punjab, this non-resident Kannadiga wing will not only serve as a digital directory of NRKs but also help tap into new investments, promote art and culture from Karnataka abroad, and offer a business incubation center for NRKs.
“We will take the best practices from states like Kerala and Punjab and make ours better,” he added.
There is also a proposal to set up a dedicated helpline to assist NRKs with investment, property matters, complaints, and grievances as there has been a spike in complaints of fraud that NRKs have faced. This service will seamlessly integrate into the existing NRI forum, it is learned.
Comments
0 comment