Telangana mulls legal mechanism for NRI grievance redressal, says Deputy CM

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is exploring the creation of a legally empowered special mechanism to address grievances of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and their families residing in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Sunday.

Speaking at the 19th American Telugu Association (ATA) National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, the Deputy Chief Minister said the proposed platform would enable prompt resolution of problems faced by Telugus abroad as well as concerns affecting their parents and relatives in Telangana. He did not provide a timeline for the initiative but said the government was actively considering the move.

Mr. Vikramarka also urged Telangana natives living overseas to enrol as voters during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He noted that eligible citizens anywhere in the world can register online, and appealed to NRIs to take advantage of the process to ensure their names are included in the voters list.

The Deputy Chief Minister invited the diaspora to contribute their knowledge, expertise, and investments to the state's development. He said Telangana was being developed with the aim of competing not only with other Indian states but also with leading economies globally.

Under the Congress government, the state has set a target to become a $3 trillion economy by 2047, Mr. Vikramarka said. As part of this vision, the 56-km Musi river is being rejuvenated and beautified on the lines of the River Thames in London, to ensure clean water flow and improve Hyderabad's urban landscape.

Highlighting the importance of human resource development, the Deputy Chief Minister said major reforms were being introduced in the education sector to help students from ordinary families access education of global standards. He cited initiatives such as the Young India Integrated Residential Schools and invited NRIs to partner in efforts aimed at developing their native places and the state.

The ATA, a prominent organisation representing Telugu-speaking people in North America, has been holding its annual convention to connect the diaspora with their roots and discuss issues relevant to the community. The 19th edition brought together leaders, professionals, and community members from across the United States.

Mr. Vikramarka's address comes amid growing concerns among NRIs about issues such as property disputes, family maintenance, and legal assistance in India. Many states have established dedicated grievance cells for NRIs, and Telangana's proposed mechanism is expected to follow a similar framework with statutory backing.

The Deputy Chief Minister's visit to the U.S. is part of a broader outreach by the Telangana government to engage with the diaspora, which has emerged as a significant investor in the state's infrastructure and technology sectors. The government had earlier announced plans to hold an NRI investment summit in the near future, though no specific dates were announced.

Observers note that the move to enrol NRIs as voters could also have political implications, as the diaspora is seen as a key constituency for the ruling Congress party, which returned to power in Telangana in 2023 after a decade in opposition. However, Mr. Vikramarka framed the appeal in terms of civic participation and democratic rights.

The exact structure of the proposed grievance mechanism, including its powers and jurisdiction, is yet to be finalised, the Deputy Chief Minister said. He assured the gathering that the government was committed to ensuring the well-being of Telangana's global community.