Right To Information For NRIs
- By Bobby Castro
- Published 01/18/2012
- National, State, Local
- Unrated
A rights group has been making the rounds in Dubai and the UAE to educate and inform NRIs on their right to information as to matters and issues back in India. The discussions were lead by Musthafa and Almana, international lawyers based in Dubai in conjunction with the Dubai Judicial Institute.
It is recognized that many NRIs face challenges both in their country of residence as well as their country of origin. When they try to invest in India, they face the daunting challenge of dealing with local officials to obtain building permits and loans. They are often made to wait inordinate amounts of time because of their lack of knowledge as to local practices. Now, in the exercise of this right, NRIs are able to be properly informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
As many as 6,000 RTI requests have been filed in Kerala alone since the enactment of the law back in 2005 and many of these requests were about information as well as affixation of responsibility on particular public officers. This number is low compared to the number of NRIs spread all across the world.
One of the focal discussions was facilitated by Musthafa Zafeer, Senior
Lawyer and Managing Partner of the sponsoring firm. In the symposium, he discussed the differences between the UAE and Indian legal systems. One of the ways that NRIs can fully utilize the right is to obtain definite responses as to inconsistent charges imposed by government departments, hospitals, school admissions and many other issues.
He projects that there is a need to create a right to information working group to assist NRIs on how to properly and effectively use this right for their benefits. The current process as stated by law would be the filing of a right to information application after paying Rs10 to the consulate. The application must be completely filled when applicable and that the said document must be submitted to the embassy's public information officer or PIO.
The Right to Information Act of 2005 was expanded to include NRIs through a decision of the Indian Supreme Court made in 2008. The minimum requirement is that the individual must be of Indian origin and have the status of Pravasi Bharatiya. When submitting the request and payment of the fee, there must proof of Indian citizenship included in the occasion. Only NRIs are allowed to avail of this information and this privilege is not allowed for PIO or OCI cardholders.
It is recognized that many NRIs face challenges both in their country of residence as well as their country of origin. When they try to invest in India, they face the daunting challenge of dealing with local officials to obtain building permits and loans. They are often made to wait inordinate amounts of time because of their lack of knowledge as to local practices. Now, in the exercise of this right, NRIs are able to be properly informed and prepared for what lies ahead.
As many as 6,000 RTI requests have been filed in Kerala alone since the enactment of the law back in 2005 and many of these requests were about information as well as affixation of responsibility on particular public officers. This number is low compared to the number of NRIs spread all across the world.
One of the focal discussions was facilitated by Musthafa Zafeer, Senior
He projects that there is a need to create a right to information working group to assist NRIs on how to properly and effectively use this right for their benefits. The current process as stated by law would be the filing of a right to information application after paying Rs10 to the consulate. The application must be completely filled when applicable and that the said document must be submitted to the embassy's public information officer or PIO.
The Right to Information Act of 2005 was expanded to include NRIs through a decision of the Indian Supreme Court made in 2008. The minimum requirement is that the individual must be of Indian origin and have the status of Pravasi Bharatiya. When submitting the request and payment of the fee, there must proof of Indian citizenship included in the occasion. Only NRIs are allowed to avail of this information and this privilege is not allowed for PIO or OCI cardholders.
Bobby Castro
Bobby Castro is the online editor at the NRI community, where he has published a number of articles about NRI Indians living in the UAE and many other topics.
View all articles by Bobby Castro