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MANGALURU: Karnataka is mulling to have a dedicated forum for Non-Resident Kannadigas similar to Norka (Non-Resident Keralites Affairs department). Mangaluru city South MLA J R Lobo, chairman of Karnataka Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Committee, said the sixth report of the committee has recommended the government to set up Norka model department or forum for the welfare of Non-Resident Kannadigas. Lobo said the sixth report was prepared after conducting studies in Kerala, Goa and Andhra Pradesh. 

 Lobo told reporters there are thousands of Kannadigas from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttar Kannada, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu, working in foreign countries, but the state has no statutory body to look after the welfare of them. "The Kerala government has Norka with subsidiary bodies like Norka Roots and The Kerala Non-Resident Keralites’ Welfare Board. Kerala has been implementing several schemes for the welfare of Non-Resident Keralites. Through Norka, Kerala government has been providing training for those who are visiting foreign countries, facilities for citizens to get documents attested, helping those who return from abroad and also making arrangements to shift dead bodies of those who die in foreign countries. Even recruitments to foreign countries are facilitated through Norka. Hence, we have recommended the government to set up similar bodies in Karnataka for the welfare of Non-Resident Kannadigas, who are working in various foreign countries," Lobo said.

 The government should set up a separate institution with 49% stake from Non-Resident Kannadigas to implement schemes. The Kerala government has been allocating an average of Rs 148 crore in its budget for the welfare of Non-Resident Keralites. Karnataka should earmark at least Rs 50 crore initially and should increase the sanctions later. Similarly, we also have recommended the government to frame rules for the welfare of Non-Resident Kannadigas in the state, Lobo said quoting the recommendations.

 Lobo said that the government should conduct a survey to ascertain the total number of Non-Resident Kannadigas in Karnataka and issue identity cards to each one of them for the implementation of schemes. He said the committee also has recommended the government for setting up of a Non-Resident Indian Bhavan in Karantaka.

Recommendations :

•  Set up Norka like Forum fn Karnataka
•  Set up Norka Roots model institution in Karnataka 
•  Issue ID cards for all Non-Resident Kannadigas
•  Open attestation centres for Non-Resident Kannadigas
•  Collect data of Non-Resident Kannadigas
•  Open job portal to check misappropriations by fake recruiters
•  Extend government benefits to Non-Resident Kannadigas
•  Set up a Non-Resident Indian Bhavan in Karantaka
•  Introduce pension schemes for the weaker section among Non-Resident Kannadigas