Non-resident Rajasthanis (NRR) Diaspora could soon get NRR cards that would serve as a unique identity document for the NRRs and also entitle them to some special privileges.
The proposal to issue NRR cards is part of the NRR policy, released recently by Rajasthan Chief Minister, Shri Ashok Gehlot.
“The purpose of the NRR policy is to establish a framework for the institutionalising engagement of Rajasthani Diaspora, in keeping with the Government’s commitment to create an enabling environment and platform for effective participation of NRRs in socio-economic development of Rajasthan and also cater to needs of NRRs for their welfare, growth and empowerment.
The policy shall also strength link of NRRs to homeland and sustain the expression of ‘Rajasthaniyat’, the Rajasthani identity through generations,”Dhiraj Shrivastava, Commissioner, Rajasthan Foundation said here today.
Industry Minister Shankuntal Rawat said, “Our new NRR Policy proposes to engage NRRs (Non-Resident Rajasthanis) in the economic, social and cultural development of the State and work out plans to forge beneficial relationships with them.”
The policy has been formulated on the Five-C concept of Connect, Culture, Community, Care and Contribution. There is a focus on the contribution of NRRs to connect them in the development of the State, while there are provisions to develop a mechanism to solve their problems and work for their welfare.
The NRR policy aims to connect with a wider base of NRRs across geographies and segments, bringing over 1,00,000 NRRs under the umbrella of Rajasthan Foundation in next five years.
The policy also aims to create social and economic impact with increased involvement of NRRs through their knowledge, capital and skills in areas such as tourism, investment, trade, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, etc. catalyzing over INR 1000 crore in next five years..
There are a slew of initiatives planned for NRRs under the Policy. Mhari Dani will be the flagship scheme of the government in which the NRRs will be able to voluntarily contribute to basic development works in their towns and villages.
The State government will also identify and felicitate outstanding NRRs every year, who will be felicitated in an annual event organized for the Pravasis. The other plans include: bringing all the organizations and associations of Rajasthanis en bloc on a platform to build bonds with the community, Jaane Apna Rajasthan program, Ambassador Program etc.
A special program of Pravasis Mitras is being launched in which NRRs would be appointed in various countries, throughout the world. These Mitras, representing their respective country, where they are settled, are willing to provide strategic mentoring and guidance to people of their land who want to move abroad for study, work or travel. Such overseas linkages can help young people find their feet in foreign lands as they look forward to building a new future abroad.
The policy envisages setting up a Pravasi Rajasthani Kendra in Jaipur while NRR Cells will be formed in the districts. There is also a proposal for Rajasthani Pravasi Bhawans in selected cities of the country and abroad. Various schemes/programs/ guidelines related to each of the initiatives shall be notified/rolled soon as part of implementation of the policy.