NORKA AND THEIR WELFARE ACTIVITIES

Transcription

1 Chapter 6 NORKA AND THEIR WELFARE ACTIVITIES Introduction NORKA Non Resident Keralites Welfare Association Objectives of NORKA and Their Major Activities Welfare Measures Achievements of NORKA Awareness of NORKA among the work force in UAE

2 6.1: Introduction. It is worthwhile, in the context of this study, to discuss the various welfare measured undertaken by the Kerala government for the Non Resident Keralites. When it is a known fact that the back bone of the Kerala economy is held by the chunk of foreign money flowing to the state, it becomes imperative for any government to take care of the working population abroad to see that they continue to work and send more money to the state. The Estimated number of NRKs in United Arab Emirates in 2007 is 7.7 lakhs. 1 It is to be noted that among these NRKs, majority of the working class are unskilled labourers. These days when the host gulf countries are making attempt to screen the migrants for their technical skill to suit to the industry demands of their country, it becomes a herculian task for the labour sending regions to upgrade the skills of the aspiring job seeking population to foregn land. The unskilled labourers fear loosing jobs to return home. Added to this, the welfare of these workforces are always neglected by the authorities who recruit them for low wages. They are deprived of decent facilities where they stay. This study revealed in earlier chapters that there are many

3 workers who don t even get the basic salary as is mentioned in their contract. The importance of angencies like NORKA and the role it has in helping to reduce the problems faced by the NRKs becomes clearer in these contexts. 6.2: NORKA In order to ensure the welfare of the Non Resident Keralites, redress their grievances and safeguard their rights that NORKA, the Non Resident Keralites Affairs Department was set up by the Government of Kerala in Since then, NORKA has been playing a vital role in the lives of NRKs, supporting them in times of need and lending them a helping hand in every possible means. Some of the major objectives and issues dealt by NORKA are stated below. Assistance to stranded Keralites. Complaints on non receipt of salary, accommodation etc. Assistance in bringing the mortal remains of NRKs to Kerala, subject to certain conditions. Complaints on illegal overseas recruitment agencies. Enquiries on Pravasi Suraksha Kudumba Arogya Scheme.

4 Grievances of Non Resident Keralite Housemaids and other non resident women in distress. Problems faced by the NRKs in State Government Departments. Claiming of compensation and other benefits due from employers/ Government. Though the objectives are set right clearly, there seems to be more to be done with respect welfare of the NRK workers to fulfill these objectives at least to certain extend. During this study, it was striking to note that majority of the workers who responded to questions regarding their awareness level of NORKA, gave negative answers. It was found that only 30% of the total population surveyed by this researcher said they are aware of NORKA and their activities. And only 5 % of the surveyed population approached NORKA for solving their grievances. 2 It could be inferred from these revelations that, there are ample scope for the authorities to take steps to increase the awareness level of NORKA and their activities among the labour forces, who needs a helping hand at all times. It is appreciable that Kerala government has, throughout tried to address the NRK issues through creating various

5 agencies under NORKA. One among it was NRKWA Non Resident Keralaite Welfare Agency. The Non-Resident Keralites' Welfare Agency (NORKWA), a field agency under the Department of NORKA was constituted in 1998 to look after the welfare of Non-Resident Keralites. The society was registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act, The Society had a Governing Body of 45 members and an Executive Committee of 7 members with the Minister (NORKA) as its Chairman. Proposed activities of NORKWA: Introduction of a pension fund for NRKs. Rehabilitation of NRK returnees. Skill up gradation training. Reintegration training. Being a society solely dependent on Government funding for its day-to-day functioning, NORKWA was unable to attract funds from inland and abroad for carrying out its imaginative welfare activities. Moreover, NORKWA lacked effective monitoring and did not have stringent provisions relating to audit. In those circumstances, Government dissolved Non Resident Keralites Welfare Agency by an order.

6 6.3: NORKA-ROOTS NORKA-ROOTS is the field agency of the Department of NORKA, set up in 2002, a government of Kerala initiative that acts as a counsel for the Non- Resident Keralites and provides social security to them and their family, is formed under section 25 of the companies Act, It is a metamorphosed form of NORKWA-the Non-resident Keralites Welfare Agency under the department of Non-resident Keralite s Affairs (NORKA).It acts as an interface between the Non-Resident Keralites and the Government of Kerala and a forum for addressing the NRKs problems, safeguarding their rights and rehabilitating the returnees. Chief Minister of the state is its Chairman and the secretary to chief minister is the Vice-chairman. The current director board members are well known persons differenct walks of life like Shri. M.A.Yusuffali, Adv. C.K. Menon, Shri. Alexander Vadakkedom, Dr. M Anirudhan, Shri.V.K.C.Mammadkoya Ex MLA, Shri. A.K.Moosa, Master, Shri. Manjalamkuzhi Ali MLA, Shri. K.T.Jaleel MLA and Shri. K.K.Sankaran. The current Chief Executive Officer of ROOTS is Dr. K.M.Ramanandan IAS and its General Manager Shri.S.M.Najeeb 6.3.1: Major objectives of ROOTS

7 Welfare of NRK's Heritage village for parents of NRK's Promotion of Malayalam language and culture Cultural exchange programme between the natives and Malayalees settled abroad. Promotion of regional development with the active participation of NRK's Social Security Network for NRK's A relief fund for rendering immediate assistance to NRK's in need. Organization of annual meets for NRK's Resettlement and reintegration of NRKs returning to Kerala. Employment mapping To facilitate the creation of a high calibre human resource pool. Upgrading of skills of jobseekers Data Bank of NRK's Channelising investments to the State Prevention of illegal recruitment 6.3.2: Present Activities

8 There are various new schemes and programs by the government for the welfare of the NRKs. Some of them are listed below: Pravsi Apakad Sahaya Kudumba Arogya Padhathi: An Insurance coverage scheme with UIIC for the victims of accidents in abroad. Santhwana: For extending financial help to BPL NRKs in exceptional cases of extreme financial needs to meet funeral expenses, marriage expenses, medical expenses etc. Certificate Authentication Centres: For attesting the educational certificates of job seekers going abroad. HRD, MEA and Embassy attestations are obtaining from a single office. At present there are three attestation Centres in Kerala at Trivandrum, Ernakulam and Calicut. Skill Up gradation Centres: Up gradation of skills of job seekers, the first of its kind in India was initiated by NORKA in association with SCMS Group of Educational Institutions, Kochi. This Institute known as NORKA-SCMS Institute for Paramedical and Development Studies (NSIPADS) imparts training for nurses to appear for

9 CGFNS/N-CLEX examinations and for unskilled worker's such as housemaids, driver's etc. Planning to start more skill up gradation centres to provide both Soft Skills and Technical Skills. Data Bank of NRKs: A sector-wise Data Bank of NRKs is under preparation. Promotion of Malayalam language and culture: To encourage the usage of Malayalam among the third generation Malayalees, NORKA has set up a website for online teaching.

10 Cultural Exchange Programme between the Natives and Malayalees Settled Abroad: To describe more about the native land of Kerala among the third generation NRKs. Promotion of Regional Development with the Active Participation of NRKs: To ensure that the NRKs contribute their mite for the development of their villages, NORKA has launched a scheme called My Village, My Dream. Organisation of Annual Meets for NRKs: NORKA is organising meeting for NRKs (Samavayam), Marunadan Malayalee Meet (Samanwayam) and returnee meet (Samagamam) annually. This has become a common forum to discuss various issues of NRKs and to find solutions. Pravasi Sahitya & Pravasi Journalist Awards: To encourage the artistic talents of NRKs, NORKA introduced Pravasi Sahithya Award annually for an eminent Malayalee writer living in foreign country for his published works. Similarly Pravasi Journalist Award is introduced for encouraging the young NRK journalists.

11 Recognition of Malayalee Associations: Norka-Roots started recognition of Malayalee Associations functioning in overseas and in other states in India having more than three years of existence. 84 number of associations already recognised. Some of the recognised associations which were listed in the government website were - Yuvakala Sahithi, Dubai, Ranny Association of Non-Resident Neighboring Youths, Kairali Pravasi Association, Welfare Association Of Trivandrum Organisations, Azhoor Pangayat Welfare Associations, Non Resident Mavelikkara Association, Asrayam Moovattupuzha Kothamangalam Association, Nirmala College Muvattupuzha Association, Welfare Association of Kannur District Expact (Wake), Association of Kerala Medical Graduate (AKMG), Punalur Friends Forum all of these associations are either a regional associations or or interest group. NORKA Centre: The Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs would soon have a single office building named NORKA CENTRE to co-ordinate the activities of the Department of NORKA, its field agency Norka-Roots, and the attestation centre. The eight storeyed building would be set up in 20-cent land near

12 the Government guest house at Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram

13 Pre-Departure Orientation Programme: Norka-Roots have launched its first Pre-Departure Orientation Programme through the State level inauguration on 15th December, 2006 at Durbar Hall Thiruvananthapuram by the Hon ble Chief Minister of Kerala. 60 participants attended the first batch of the training programme. This programme is intended to make our overseas job aspirants aware about general job situations abroad and to impart essential information relating to visa, emigration rules, employment contract, travel formalities etc. Also planning to start similar orientation programmes at various districts of Kerala. Manpower Recruitment: Norka-Roots has already obtained overseas recruitment license from the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and is planning to locate the overseas job opportunities in various countries through E-mapping. We will also be creating a data bank of human resources in various trades available for overseas placements soon. Other welfare measures under NORKA-ROOTS: Apart from the various activities mentioned above, NORKA-ROOTS also organize workshops for job aspirants to gulf. Recently one of such one day workshops was organized

14 overseas job aspirants in Kannur and Malappuram districts. These programs are usually done collaborating with the district administration. 3 Latest addition to the activity list of the ROOTS is its efforts to set up an international school for children in the capital city, fulfilling a long-standing wish of the Kerala diaspora. The feasibility study report for establishing the state-of the art Rs.150 million school, exclusively for the children of the Keralites living outside India, has been prepared by Norka-Roots. 4 To add further to the various measures by the government of Kerala there has been report that the government will strengthen the working of the NORKA-ROOTS and the ODEPC (Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants Ltd.) to check illegal recruitment agencies operating in the State. Replying to questions in the Assembly Chief Minister said NORKA-ROOTS, functioning under NORKA (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs) Department, received license for recruitment. ODEPC, functioning under the Labour Department, also obtained license for recruitment. The government is seriously considering setting up a separate wing in the Kerala Police for taking action against illegal recruitment agencies. The police were asked to take stern

15 action against those indulging in illegal recruitment by accepting huge fees and by offering high salary and good accommodation in the Gulf countries. The government was aware of instances of Malayalis getting cheated and harassed in the Gulf. He said the government had started talks with the Centre and embassies to find out whether recruitment through State to State could be carried out. It was also taking all steps to immediately bring back the bodies of those who died in the Gulf. In reply to another question, the Chief Minister said the government was considering a proposal to set up a welfare fund for the Gulf returnees and to give pension to them. Legislation has to be made for it. Education assistance to the children of the Gulf returnees who were not financially sound was also under the consideration, he said. The Chief Minister said the government had taken up the need to commence more flights to the Middle East from the three airports in the State. The government is giving equal importance to the three airports, he said. 5 Another news item said that the Non resident Keralites who drive the economy of this small state can keep their chins up as a bevy of welfare programmes are being worked out for their benefit. These measures would be implemented by Roots Norka, a state-owned organisation that looks after

16 the welfare of non-resident Keralites (NRKs). To set the ball rolling, all non residents in Malappuram district would be issued an identity card, which would also double up as an insurance as well as discount card. The scheme will be extended to all other districts in Kerala in a phased manner. The distribution of identity cards in Mankada was completed in July 19.This card will act as an insurance card, where in the case of accident or death of an NRK, the dependent would be entitled for Rs.100,000. NRKs can also use this card as a discount card at selected shops in the state : Achievements of NORKA NORKA is the first Department of its kind in India. Other states like Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and others have approached NORKA for guidelines in the constitution of similar Departments. In association with the Government of India, it has provided assistance to the 5000 odd Non-Resident Keralites who overstayed in the UAE and who were ousted, as a result of the new laws there. 7 A quick survey was conducted in collaboration with the State Planning Board on the Socio-Economic status of returnees.

17 Special counters were opened to facilitate the smooth return of evicted NRKs to the UAE by providing them with air tickets from AIR INDIA at reduced rates. Assisted the 2000 odd NRKs who were repatriated from Saudi Arabia by setting up assistance counter at the Mumbai airport along with the Malayalee Associations in Mumbai and assisted them in reaching home in association with Indian Railways. Launched an Insurance Scheme named Pravasi Suraksha for the NRKs living abroad. It is the first scheme of its kind in India. Constituted an emergency repatriation fund for the repatriation of stranded Keralite's abroad and for the transportation of mortal remains of NRKs Prompt action is always taken to locate and repatriate stranded NRKs. Assisted those NRKs who have been newly appointed in Kerala Government services, orders have been issued to extend their joining time by six months. Formed two department level committees - A Committee to check illegal recruitment and a State level Awareness committee to check illegal recruitment.

18 Speedy redressal of issues concerning NRKs living outside the state but within the country. An Infrastructure Initiative Fund has been set up to facilitate NRK investment in Infrastructure Development Projects. Initiated action to register the names of NRKs on their respective ration cards at home from the year Directions have been issued to that effect from the Food and Civil Supplies Department.

19 6.5: Other proposals under consideration for NORKA More than nine million people who qualify as non-resident Keralites to be given special identity cards - a long-time demand of the expatriates. Those qualifying for cards will include some 3.2 million Keralites living in other countries and about six million who have returned home after stint abroad. This card would also ensure that they are treated with proper respect at government offices and other places. An amendment in the Representation of the People Act to give voting rights to NRKs and appointing Malayalam speaking officials in Indian embassies in the Middle East. Strict measures to be taken up for curbing the widespread activities of illegal recruitment agencies in the State. Special cell to be formed under the Crime Branch of Police to deal with the cases and complaints on illegal recruitment. An expert committee involving judges, former diplomats and other officials to be formed to put forward the State's recommendations to the Centre concerning the amendment of the Recruitment Act of 1983.

20 All NRK associations to be required to register themselves with NORKA. This proposal comes in the wake of certain allegations against the functioning of Non-Resident Keralites' Associations, which cheat NRKs by charging exorbitant amounts of money from them on the promise of offering jobs. The State Education Department to start attesting the certificates once a formal order is issued by the Centre. Attestation centres would be established in Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram soon Awareness of NORKA and their activities Non Resident Keralaite Affairs Department (NORKA) which was formed under the Kerala government mainly to look after the welfare of the Non Resident Keralites living abroad has been serving the overseas Indians through various measures for years now. Under these circumstances it is important to know the awareness level of NORKA and their activities among the NRK workers.data collected in this regard is tabulated to dra a pie diagram (see fig 4.6). Data collected in this regard is tabulated to know the influence of NORKA and their grievance handling mechanisms on the work force.(see table 6.1)

21 Fig 6.1 Figure showing workers awareness level of NORKA and their activities 30% 70% Yes No Source: Survey Data The above figure reveals that majority of the workers are unaware of NORKA and their activities. 140 respondents (70%) of the total work force said they are unaware of the activities of NORKA. Only 30% of the workforce said they are aware of NORKA s activities. These revelations clearly indicate the need to gear up the efforts by the government agencies like NORKA-ROOTS to let the workers know about what s new at NORKA. There must be a conscious effort on the part of the government to involve and help the NRKs in the host country where they work Workers who contacted NORKA To understand better how far the workers utilized NORKA and their arms to solve some of their grievances, the workers was asked whether they have approached NORKA to solve any of their problems, data collected in this regard has been tabulated to draw the inference.(see table 6.1) Table 6.1 Table showing the no. of workers who contacted NORKA

22 Sl. No. Response No. of response Percentag e 1 Contacted NORKA Not contacted NORKA Source: Survey Data Total The data above reveals that 190 of the 200 workers surveyed so far have not contacted NORKA for any of their grievances or problems. Only 5% of the total workers surveyed said they contacted NORKA. This is a clear indication to draw a conclusion that there need to be constant efforts on the part of the authorities to gear up their involvement in the problems and life of workers in UAE. Especially when the awareness level of NORKA among the work forces is low, and majority don t contact the available agency for solving their issues, special care must be taken to address the involvement of NORKA. Conclusion: The various activities mentioned above by NORKA- ROOTS are appreciable. But more efforts are needed to effectively help improve the living conditions and welfare of the working class from Kerala in UAE. The revelations of this research work point out to more and effective mechanisms to

23 be in place to understand the issues of labourers and their working conditions. Though there have been assurances and promises by various ministries at the centre to uplift the welfare of the NRKs by setting up more number of consulates and effective grievance handling mechanisms in the gulf countries, all efforts pertaining to this gave minimum results. The efforts put in by various NRK associations to solve and help the downtrodden labourers is sometimes praise worthy. There have been instances where associations with the help of the media came forward to help workers who have been afflicted with various diseases and to repatriate them to home land. Some of these associations also became helping hand to house maids who got trapped in sex rackets. There seems to be a need to put in place a more proworker mechanism in the consulate offices and special wings to look into the site conditions and grievances of the workers. Conscious efforts must be given to create an awareness level among the workers letting them know the facilities and redressal options available with the authorities.

24 References: 1. Migration, remittances and employment, Shortterm Trends and Long-term Implications, Centre for development studies, Kerala, Survey data 3. Kothari, CR. Research Methodology Methods & Techniques, New Age International Publishers, Revised Edition News item: July 1st, :06 pm ICT by IANS htm 7.