Mangaluru/Jeddah, November 21: The Hajj, information and infrastructure development Minister Roshan Baig was felicitated by the Kannadiga residents in Jeddah during the inaugural function of the Karnataka Noble Trophy Cricket Tournament in Jeddah under the joint organisation of Jamiyyatul Falah Jeddah and Karnataka NRI Forum Jeddah.
The tournament will begin from November 27th and conclude on December 5th.
Addressing the gathering, the minister lauded the social activities initiated by Karnataka NRI Forum and Jamiyyatul Falah and said, NRI citizens from Karnataka state have spread around the globe, and hence the state needs public-private partnership (PPP) on various projects of the state government. Kannadigas residing in various parts of the world should and come forward to develop their motherland.
He further added, “The Mangaluru airport runway expansion project is a very big challenge and needs greater support from NRI community in PPP method.”
Expressing his happiness in the resumption of Kuwait-Mangaluru flight, he pointed out the efforts taken by Mangalore MLA J R Lobo and others.
The gathered members were motivated, especially when Baig asked them about the problems faced by them and their expectations from the state government to help in solving these problems. Anticipating support from the minister, several problems were put forward and were addressed accordingly by him.
Baig also highlighted the new schemes and developmental projects initiated by the state government recently.
Main issues addressed by Minister Baig are as follows:
Direct flight from Mangaluru to Jeddah and Riyadh, CET facilities to NRI students, Expansion of runway at Mangaluru International Airport, Nitaqat issues in Jeddah, Support services from Consulate office in Jeddah extended to Kannadigas, Harassment faced by Gulf-bound passengers at Bengaluru international airport,
Acceptance of Indian passport issued outside India at government offices as address proof, Promotion of state tourism and medical tourism in KSA, Aim to start overseas affairs ministry under the state government.
Functioning of NRI Community Welfare Cell, and State government schemes for blue collar labour category NRIs.
The minister thanked custodian of the two holy mosques King Abdullah and the authorities of the government of Saudi Arabia for giving him opportunity to attend Gusle Kaaba for the third time and said he would be always available to help and rectify the problems of NRIs whenever they approach him.
The minister was officially welcomed by Roshan Rodrigues, president of KNRI forum.Ex-president of the KNRI Forum Mohammed Mansour and president of Jamiyatul Falah Mohammed Shafi honoured the chief guest.
Vote of thanks was proposed by general secretary Syed Nasir Khursheed on behalf of KNRI Forum and Jamiyatul Falah. The program was compered by Shaikh Saoud, the coordinator of KNRI Forum.
