Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Kannadigas from across the world have strongly urged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to form a separate Ministry for “NRI Affairs” to address the concerns of overseas Kannadigas.

Around 30 delegates from different countries, including Gulf countries, Australia, Hungary, U.S., and Oman, addressed a press conference here on Saturday (June 20).

Ronald Colaco, NRI entrepreneur based in Dubai, said, “Forming a separate Ministry for NRI Karnataka Affairs was a ‘guarantee’ promised by the Congress party in their manifesto in 2023. It has been three years since they have to come to power in the State. We have asked Mr. Shivakumar to appoint a Minister.”

He said they had also asked him to appoint Arathi Krishna, MLC, as the Minister for NRI Karnataka Affairs, since she has served as the deputy chairperson of NRI Forum Karnataka and worked for the welfare of overseas Kannadigas.

According to the data presented by the delegates, India is the world’s top recipient of remittances, with inflows from NRIs reaching approximately $135.46 billion in FY25 (2024-25). This figure represents a 14% growth and makes up a massive portion of the nation’s total financial inflows, which is the highest in the world.

Karnataka receives about 8% of India’s total inward remittances, making it the fifth-highest recipient State nationally after Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The NRIs’ contribution is roughly $10-11 billion annually to Karnataka’s economy through family remittances, investments, donations, and property purchases.

More than ₹8,000 crore in cumulative NRI investment has been recorded in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Belagavi regions over the last decade, the delegation said.

They also highlighted that a separate department and Ministry have been dedicated to address NRI issues and investment in other States, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Gujarat, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

The NRIs have also urged the State government to establish a ₹1,000 crore revolving fund. Mr. Colaco said, “Thousands of successful Kannadigas abroad wish to invest in Karnataka but often lack structured support mechanisms. The proposed revolving fund will provide seed support for diaspora-led investments in Karnataka. The government can also explore Public Private Partnership opportunities with the help of NRI Kannadigas in various infrastructure projects.”

He also said that the revolving fund is not an expenditure for the government. “This is an investment fund that will generate employment, create industrial growth, increase exports, expand the tax base and attract global capital.”

At the same time, many overseas Kannadigas and their families, especially blue-collar workers in the Gulf region, face unexpected emergencies such as medical crises, accidents and death. The NRI delegates requested the government to set up a welfare fund to help such people leaving abroad in times of crisis.