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NRIs must pitch in for India’s growth

The editorial, “NRIs deserve better: But they should also contribute more” (Jan 11) rightly welcomes Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s declaration at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas function that all Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) will get a chance to vote by the next regular general elections in 2014. I also agree that people of Indian origin living abroad must also put their savings in the form of investments in the land of their forefathers. They must invest in industries and other ventures for uplifting the socio-economic condition in India, where their roots lie.

Dr Singh has rightly said that India needs enormous funds to have world-class infrastructure, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, etc. Non-Resident Indians can surely play a significant role in the achievement of these goals.

Hurdles in their way must be removed through setting up a single-window clearing system for NRI projects. Steps should be taken to change the negative and discouraging mindset of Indian officials handling NRI projects.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

II

Dr Manmohan Singh’s declaration is commendable. At the same time, NRIs can surely add to the growth of India. So a favourable environment must be provided to lure them to India. Bottlenecks and roadblocks must be removed from their way and a single-window clearing system must be provided for NRI projects.

However, the administrative functioning must be improved but not only for the NRIs.

HEMANT AGGARWAL, Patiala

III

The editorial rightly exhorts the NRIs to put in more efforts in the development of their motherland. With many NRIs having done well in foreign lands, India can count on her sons. NRIs will have a sense of achievement for having done something for their motherland if they put their resources in development projects in India.

The Indian government should pull out all the stops in welcoming investment from NRIs and help remove all bottlenecks.

BHUSHAN CHANDER JINDAL, Jalandhar

IV

NRIs deserve better facilities. The decision of the government to give them a chance to vote is appreciable, as this will encourage them to come forward to help their motherland.

If NRIs keep funds in banks it is not going to serve any purpose unless and until this money is in circulation through investments in various projects. We have to provide easy processing facilities for investments in major projects by simplifying procedures for clearance.

HARISH K. MONGA, Ferozepur City

V

Dr Manmohan Singh has rightly recognised the desire of NRI’s. India is slated to become a major knowledge and economic power and the NRI’s can play a vital role.

Interests of the people of Indian origin can be taken care of, if they plan to have business establishments and projects in India.

HARPREET SANDHU, Advocate, Ludhiana

Tackle e-waste carefully E-waste is polluting the environment and exposing human beings to the hazards created by the toxic waste (editorial, “Tackling e-waste”, Jan 11). Electronic waste, commonly called e-waste, e-scrap, or waste electrical and electronic equipment, describes discarded, surplus, obsolete and broken electrical or electronic devices such as computers, laptops, mobile phones, stereos, television sets, refrigerators and microwave ovens, the devices which are useful part of our daily lives. Most material and parts inside these devices are non-bio-degradable and some are really harmful not just to the environment but also to humans. Even a small amount of lead in the landfills can cause a serious environmental problem and can contaminate water supply. Cell phone batteries are mostly nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium is listed as carcinogen and causes serious lung diseases and liver damage. Alternatives contain potentially explosive lithium or toxic lead. The processing of electronic waste in developing countries causes serious health and pollution problems because the electronic equipment contains some serious contaminants such as lead, cadmium, beryllium and brominated flame retardants. Even in developed countries recycling and disposal of e-waste involves significant risk to workers and communities. Great care must be taken to avoid unsafe exposure in recycling operations and leaching of material such as heavy metals from landfills and incinerator ashes. The government should take expeditious steps to deal with the menace of e-waste by setting up processing centres and encourage the installation of urban mining plants to separate the otherwise valuable metals from the e-waste. Dr S K AGGARWAL, Dean, Academics, Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology, Amritsar