(a) whether the Non Resident Indians have requested the Government
for protection of their properties and investments in India;
(b) if so, the details in this regard; and
(c) the details of the steps taken by the Government for the protection
of properties and investments of such NRIs in the country ?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)
(a) & (b): Non Resident Indians and Persons of Indian origin residing abroad (PIO)
seek the intervention of Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) to secure their
rights and interests in the properties owned (acquired or inherited) by them,
particularly when they apprehend to be cheated or dispossessed of such property
by fraudulent means. Their requests often relate to illegal occupation of land/
flat/apartment/house etc. by unscrupulous persons, delayed handing over of the
promised flats/apartments by builders/realtors/property dealers, delay in the
settlement of related court cases etc .
(c): (i) At the instance of MOIA, Special NRI cells have been created by many state
governments’ which have substantial diaspora population, to address their concerns.
(ii) The requests received from NRIs/PIOs by this Ministry are forwarded
to the concerned State Governments for appropriate action.
(iii) State Governments, intervention to address such complaints
are sought at the annual consultation meetings held.
(iv) A seminar to discuss the property related issues of NRIs/PIOs is being organized during
the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) – 2010 convention at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on 7th
January 2010. Discussions would cover the role of different government agencies/private
enterprises, measures to prevent such disputes including speedy disposal by way of setting
up of fast track courts etc.