Punjab to set up fast track courts for NRIs:
Capt Singh at the Third Pravasi Bhartiya Divas

Mumbai, Jan 8, 2004

Punjab would set-up fast track special revenue courts to solve the problems faced by Non- Resident Indians (NRIs), state Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said here today.

Addressing the NRIs at an interactive session at the Third Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, Singh said he would take up the issue with the Punjab and Haryana High Court to set up fast track special revenue courts at Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.

"We have already amended the East Punjab Rent Restriction Act 1949 and Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act to secure quick judicial redressal of problems of NRIs. These amendments enable NRIs to take possession of their residential,commercial and agricultural properties by way of summary proceedings", he said.

Singh said a "Police On Air" helpline for redressal of grievances was being provided on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday by the Police which gets feed back from NRIs in Canada through Radio Channels. It would soon be extended to the US and the UK.

Urging NRIs to invest in the state, Singh informed that a Single Window Act for NRI Investment would soon be passed in the state assembly.

He said special funds would be available for NRIs investment in large scale Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) assisted projects and a provision of Rs 50 crore had been earmarked for the purpose.

Singh said Punjab government had notified rules for appointment of NRI Nambardars in those villages from where more than 20 families have migrated to foreign countries to take special care of the properties in their absence. PTI