J K Menon calls for housing scheme for expatriates from Kerala state

Tribune News NetworkDohaJ K Menon, director of NORKA Roots and chairman of ABN Corporation in Qatar, presented three major projects for the welfare of the expatriates from Kerala at the third session of the Loka Kerala Sabha that concluded in Trivandrum, Kerala, recently. The projects included a housing scheme for expatriates, insurance scheme for expatriates and their families, and more investment opportunities for them in government-owned organisations. Many expatriates face legal hurdles when trying to avail themselves of housing loans, Menon said, adding that Kerala Government can help the expats from low-income families by preparing a housing scheme for them in collaboration with the Pravasi Welfare Board."A vast majority of expatriates from Kerala find their incomes are not enough when trying to buy a property or a house. Many of them will be left without significant investments or financial backing even after spending long years abroad,” Menon said. "A plan needs to be drawn up to create awareness among the expatriates about investment schemes that will secure their future.”"It is the need of the hour to prioritise plans that transform Kerala into an investment-friendly state. It is time that the government-controlled financial agencies came up with better plans in this regard. Many government-controlled companies that are currently incurring losses would be made profitable through enabling investment from expatriates,” Menon said. "The experience and technical knowledge of expatriates can be utilised in development projects in Kerala,” he said."It will be revolutionary if the government can implement a scheme that provides comprehensive insurance coverage for expatriates. The expatriates expect a comprehensive insurance scheme that covers treatment for various ailments along with accident coverage and death,” he said."We, expatriates, are saddened by the absence of some members of the Loka Kerala Sabha from this session. During the COVID-19 crisis and the floods, politics was a forgotten topic and all Keralites united to support their fellow beings,” Menon said, pointing out that expatriates have only one caste, religion, and political lineage, i.e, the expatriate community."The Loka Kerala Sabha is the prime example of the support given by the Government of Kerala to the expatriate community. The crises we have faced over the last few years have made us stronger and tougher. Surviving this crisis and moving forward is the need of the hour,” Menon said, adding that the government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has the most sympathetic attitude towards the welfare schemes for the expatriates. Menon also expressed his hope that the Loka Kerala Sabha would be able to further strengthen the growth of Kerala State in the years to come.