Latest news with #APNRTS
Hans India
6 hours ago
- Hans India
Minister Lokesh's intervention rescues Gulf victim
Rajamahendravaram: Thanks to the timely intervention and persistent efforts of Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real Time Governance and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh, a woman from East Godavari district who endured over 16 months of suffering in Kuwait has safely returned to her native village. Chilaka Nirmala, a resident of Prakasaraopalem village in Nallajerla mandal, had migrated to Kuwait nearly a year and a half ago in search of employment. While the initial two months went smoothly, her ordeal began in the third month when she started facing severe harassment at the hands of her employer's wife. Speaking to The Hans India, Nirmala said that she was subjected to inhumane treatment, denied proper food, and burdened with excessive workload. Her physical and mental health deteriorated gradually. Despite enduring the abuse for a year, her health declined to the point that she attempted suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills, an attempt that ultimately failed. In a desperate last attempt to escape, she reached out to Prakasaraopalem Sarpanch K. John Victor Babu, Gopalapuram Market Committee Chairman Y. Brahma Raju, and AP Health Employees Society State Secretary GVV Prasad. Moved by her plight, they escalated the matter to Gopalapuram MLA Maddipati Venkataraju, urging him to initiate rescue efforts. The MLA, in turn, brought the issue to the notice of Minister Nara Lokesh. Responding swiftly, Lokesh coordinated with the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) and facilitated communication with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. Subsequently, the embassy summoned both Nirmala and her employers, held discussions, and with the support of the embassy and APNRTS, made arrangements for her safe repatriation to India. Visibly emotional, Nirmala expressed her gratitude, stating, 'I never imagined I would return home alive. This feels like a rebirth. I will forever remain indebted to Minister Nara Lokesh and MLA Venkataraju for saving my life.' Later, she visited MLA Venkataraju at his office in Nallajerla and thanked him for his role in her rescue. The MLA assured her that the government would extend all necessary support for her medical and economic rehabilitation. This incident not only highlights the hardships faced by migrant workers but also underscores the importance of government intervention in protecting the rights and lives of citizens abroad.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
A.P. govt. working on global NRI outreach, plans exclusive services, dedicated courts
In a significant move aimed at strengthening ties with the Telugu diaspora, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive initiative to enumerate Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing across the globe and offer them a wide array of dedicated services, including grievance redressal mechanisms, single-window systems and weekly special courts. Speaking exclusively to The Hindu on Thursday (June 5, 2025), Minister for NRI Empowerment and Relations Kondapalli Srinivas said that the government is conducting a survey through Village and Ward Secretariats to gather basic details of NRIs such as their country of residence, contact information and email addresses. 'Once the enumeration is complete, we aim at reaching out to all 30 lakh NRIs with details of the services provided by the State and the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS),' he said. The government has set up NRI Wings at both State and District levels. While the State-level operations are monitored by the CID under a Superintendent of Police, district-level wings are functional at Collectorates with Tahsildars and Circle Inspectors to address property protection, legal and other issues. Highlighting APNRTS's role, Mr. Srinivas stated that it functions under the leadership of an IAS officer as CEO and a prominent NRI as President, to bridge communication between the diaspora and the government. At the same time, the government is appointing NRIs as coordinators at continental level, who would coordinate between the government and people abroad. The Minister also revealed that the government is actively considering the establishment of weekly NRI courts in each district, following feedback from the diaspora. 'Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the department to explore the feasibility of this demand,' he added. Other initiatives under consideration include WhatsApp Governance for faster service delivery. He added that a 24/7 toll-free call centre to address NRI grievances has been getting calls from across the globe and it would be further strengthened. Additionally, the State plans to celebrate Pravasi Telugu Divas every January around the Pongal festival to engage with Telugu NRIs more meaningfully. Minister Srinivas urged all NRIs to approach the department whenever they require support or intervention from the government, assuring them of Andhra Pradesh's commitment to protect their interests.
