NRNs make their case

Kathmandu, October 15:

A delegation of Non Resident Nepalis (NRNs) assembled in Kathmandu to celebrate the third NRN Day met with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Saturday.

Lauding the contribution of NRNs in the socio-economic development of the country, Koirala said that he personally is not against providing dual citizenship to NRNs. However, he emphasised on an all-party consensus on the issue. He expressed that such a document would enable them to come and live freely in Nepal.

On the issues raised by NRNs, he said that the government consists of many political parties and it would take time to make decisions. He asked NRNs to point out priority issues, which could be immediately addressed by the government. Koirala said that the government is eager to help Nepalis residing outside Nepal, particularly when they want to contribute to the development of Nepal.

Referring to a bill on NRN Act, which is under discussion at the parliament, Koirala assured the delegation of his help in resolving the issues. Briefing about NRN movement and progress in bringing Nepalis together around the world, Bhim Udas, international coordinator of NRNA urged the Prime Minister to pass the NRN bill incorporating recommendations made by the NRNA. He said the NRNs are eager to make their contribution, but the present rules and the procedures are coming in the way.

Dev Man Hirachan, NRNA vice-president requested the prime minister to make the ambassadorial appointments as early as possible as the vacancy of such posts is hampering work in many areas. Prakash Pun, treasurer of NRN ICC, said that Nepali missions abroad should also promote economic diplomacy and persons with some knowledge of business and economy should head such missions.

Mukesh Singh, member of NRNA-USA, requested the government to start negotiations with leading economic powers on the prevention of double taxation. This will help improve the investment climate in Nepal. Bishal Sitoula, member of NRNA-Norway briefed about various technology transfer programmes being facilitated by NRNs. Chandi Raj Dhakal, FNCCI president, briefed the Prime Minister about the joint initiatives being taken by the FNCCI and the NRNs. He urged the Prime Minister to help formally register the NRNA in Nepal, as in the absence of a proper lawful recognition, it could not carry out many activities it has contemplated.

Over 20 NRNs from various countries and FNCCI vice-presidents Diwakar Golchha and Kush Joshi and NRNA executive director Dr Hemant Dabadi were present on the occasion.