Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Launches Schemes for Telugus in Gulf

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched three schemes for Non-resident Telugus in Dubai this weekend. Naidu announced the schemes — a 24/7 helpline, Rs 1 million (Dh56,432) insurance scheme, and an emergency fund for Gulf workers — at an event organized at the Indian High School on Oct. 21.

The insurance scheme offers a coverage of Rs 1 million for accidental death or permanent disability, Rs 100,000 for hospitalization and up to Rs 45,000 for legal expenses. The scheme is applicable to holders of both ECR (emigration clearance required) and ECNR (emigration clearance not required) passport-holders migrating from Andhra Pradesh.

Assuring the Telugu diaspora that the 24-hour helpline will address all grievances of Gulf workers instantly, Naidu said: “You are not alone. There’s Andhra government and Chandrababu Naidu behind you in times of need. I assure you that I will personally help you out if you have any problem.”

Naidu said he will make the best non-resident policy in the country and encouraged the Non-resident Telugus to reap the benefits of these schemes, the Gulf News reported. According to the state government, about 900,000 Telugus live in the Gulf countries.

Speaking to my fellow non-resident Telugu people at the @APNRTOfficial conference, Dubai pic.twitter.com/B5wuJ8pUAZ

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) October 22, 2017

The event was also attended by Andhra Pradesh NRI Minister Kollu Ravindra, Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister P Narayana.

Naidu, who reached Dubai after finishing a tour in the United States, met business leaders, entrepreneurs and investors. Talking about his ambition to make Andhra Pradesh the number one state in India by 2029, he highlighted the development initiatives being undertaken in the state, the opportunities for investment that it can provide, and an increase in remittances from the current estimated sum of Rs 300 billion per annum.

The state government has also set up a Skills Development Institute so that Indians working in the Gulf can refine their skills in their fields and demand better salaries, he said.

On the agenda of his talks with the UAE government is flight connectivity between Dubai and Vijaywada. The Emirates flight to Hyderabad was introduced during Naidu’s tenure as the chief minister of the then state of Andhra Pradesh 15 years ago.

Naidu will head to London for the last leg of his three nation tour on Oct. 24.