Chandigarh :
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh held a detailed meeting with UK Member of Parliament and Chair of the Defence Committee of the British Parliament, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, in Chandigarh to discuss key issues concerning the Punjabi diaspora.
The meeting focused on NRI property disputes, direct international flights, cargo facilities, investment opportunities, and the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee member Paramjit Singh Raipur was also present.
Both leaders stressed the need to expand international flight services from Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport, Amritsar, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh. The discussion also covered improved direct connectivity between Punjab and London, Birmingham and other major European cities, along with better cargo infrastructure to facilitate air freight.
Dhesi said stronger air and cargo connectivity would boost Punjab’s industry, agriculture, trade, tourism and employment while encouraging greater investment by overseas Punjabis.
The issue of land and property disputes involving NRIs was also discussed. Dhesi called for time-bound resolution of such cases and effective mechanisms to address property fraud, cybercrime and other complaints without requiring NRIs to repeatedly travel to Punjab.
He also raised concerns over threats and extortion demands faced by Punjabi businesspersons, industrialists and sports promoters settled abroad, stressing the need to take up such security concerns with the Central Government and concerned agencies.
The reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor and ensuring smooth and uninterrupted movement of pilgrims were also discussed. Both leaders agreed that resolving these issues would further strengthen economic, social and cultural ties between Punjab and the Punjabi diaspora worldwide.
Ravjot Singh assured that the Punjab Government would continue to take up issues concerning overseas Punjabis seriously and raise them with the appropriate authorities.
