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Chandy's goodies for Kerala-born expatriates
More flights, cheaper fares and investment opportunities - Kerala CM Oommen Chandy promises the Kerala-born expatriates.
More flights, cheaper fares and investment opportunities - Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy promises these and much more for Kerala-born expatriates.
On the eve of his first anniversary in office, Chandy assured that the two million-strong non-resident Keralite community would have much to look forward to with the initiatives his government had on the pipeline.
"We are working with the central government to see that an open sky policy is announced for the Middle East sector," Chandy told IANS in an interview.
"We will also ensure more flights and cheaper airfares." Keralites working in the Gulf have complained of inadequate flights or frequent cancellations, besides the expensive fare.
Chandy recently met Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel to discuss these problems.
The chief minister said his government had launched a labour and construction institute to train those intending to work abroad and those already employed outside the country.
The bank deposits of these expatriates would be used to improve infrastructure of the coastal state.
"We expect investment from these non-resident Keralites in the Kannur airport and the soon-to-be-launched Kerala Airlines. I can assure them handsome returns and participation in the running of these projects," Chandy said.
He also invited investments into the proposed Vizhinjam Port. "We are weighing various options for this project of immense potential."
An exclusive police cell was recently launched to cater to the needs of the Kerala-born diaspora.
"We are organising a global education meet in January, in which we wish to seek the help of the expatriate academic community based in the US, United Kingdom and Europe."
A meeting of Kerala-born people who had excelled in other countries would also be organised, the chief minister disclosed.
"We want to hear them and help them in all respects, as we value their opinion and suggestions," said Chandy.
