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Source: This post is based on the article “Kerala Rehabilitation project benefits 7,000 Gulf returnees” published in “The Hindu” on 16th January 2024.
Why in News?
The first-ever rehabilitation project launched by the Kerala government for individuals returning from Gulf countries has assisted nearly 7,000 returnees in the state.
What is this project?
| Specification | Description |
| Scheme | NoRKA Department Project for Return Emigrants (NDPREM) project |
| Launched by | Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NoRKA) |
| Aim | To help Gulf returnees set up self-employment ventures with the support of leading financial institutions. |
| Why this scheme? | The initiative began in response to Saudi Arabia’s implemented “Nitaqat” (naturalization) law in 2013, causing concerns among expats about potential job losses. |
| Factual information relation to scheme | Total beneficiaries of NDPREM scheme – 6,661 Volume of loan disbursed through NDPREM so far: 411.23 crore Capital subsidy: 60.83 crore, Interest subsidy: 13.55 crore |
What is Pravasi Bhadratha scheme?
| Specification | Description |
| Scheme | Pravasi Bhadratha scheme |
| Launched by | Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NoRKA) |
| Aim | To provides financial support and income-generating opportunities for returnees. |
| Factual information relation to scheme | Number of beneficiaries: 12,371 Amount disbursed under the scheme: ₹77 crore |
What are the impacts of these schemes?
1)The schemes have benefitted almost 7000 gulf emigrants thus helped in transforming the profile of returning emigrants.
2) Recent significant changes in the industrial landscape and environment of Kerala have played a crucial role in involving distressed returnees in the retail sector.
3) These schemes have also guaranteed the economic integration of returnees into society, with the local economy benefiting from their engagement.
4) The introduction of the NoRKA business facilitation center, aimed at assisting non-resident Keralites and returnees in starting businesses in the state, has shown promising results.
5) The state is considering expanding the loan scheme to encompass additional sectors and enhance the value addition of products, aiming to extend support to more returnees.
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