RETURN OF NRIs

While the state of Kerala is very anxious to bring back as many willing Malayalees to Kerala as early as possible from all countries, the centre is looking at a wider perspective as they have to consider millions of Indians trapped all over the world. The state government is understood to have taken up the matter with the central government but the central government has not given any clear guidelines so far, as they cannot take an initiative only for the state of Kerala. However Kerala holds an advantage to stress their demand as they have already made quarantine arrangements for about two lakhs people. In the meantime, NORKA has started registering the names of the willing personnel.

We must also consider the fact that we cannot accommodate the entire repatriates at a time. Hence, while making the list, strict preference should be given to sick people looking for treatment here, pregnant women, children need care, old aged people, people who got their Visa expired, unemployed ones and the likes. While maintaining a safe distance of seating an average flight can carry only around 80 to 100 passengers. That may need over 2000 flights and shall take a few months to bring two lakhs people for Kerala alone. As such,the government may look for passenger ships alternatively. A few Indian ships can be diverted for this purpose.

KV George

kvgeorgein@gmail.com