New Delhi — A delegation from the Federation of Gujarati Associations of the USA (FOGA) recently met with the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to discuss pressing challenges faced by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and to propose hosting the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in the United States.
During the meeting in Delhi, the delegation commended India’s rapid development under PM Modi’s leadership but raised concerns about persistent hurdles NRIs face in financial transactions, property management, and digital access. In response, Prime Minister Modi assured the group that appropriate steps would be taken to address these issues.
The delegation also held discussions with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi, further emphasizing the need for policy adjustments to better accommodate overseas Indians.
Key Issues Raised by FOGA
- Aadhaar Card Restrictions: Dr. Patel, President and Founder member of the delegation, highlighted that NRIs staying in India for fewer than 180 days are ineligible for an Aadhaar card—now a prerequisite for banking, property transactions, and government services. This legal limitation has created significant barriers for NRIs attempting to buy, sell, or inherit property in India. PM Modi responded by directing officials to consult with the Aadhaar Chairman to explore possible solutions.
- Dormant Bank Accounts: Another major concern was the frequent dormancy of NRI bank accounts due to stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Patel explained that banks mandate KYC updates every six months, and failure to comply results in account deactivation—even when funds are present. “Many NRIs maintain substantial balances in Indian banks to stay connected to their roots. But if KYC isn’t updated, we lose access to our own money. Reactivation takes 10–15 days, which is deeply frustrating. Nine out of ten NRIs face this issue,” said Dr. Patel.
FOGA urged the government to simplify KYC procedures or extend the update timeline to prevent unnecessary financial disruptions.
A Global Vision for Gujarat
In a forward-looking proposal, the delegation suggested organizing a U.S. edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, aiming to strengthen economic and cultural ties between India and its diaspora. The initiative, they said, could serve as a powerful platform for investment, innovation, and community engagement.
Posted by: Malay Shah, FOGAUSA Web and Media Team