Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 22 (IANS) The Kerala government has begun compiling an online directory of its world-wide diaspora and the attempt has evoked good response, an official said.
Speaking to IANS, P. Sudeep, CEO of Roots-Norka (the agency of the Kerala government set up for the welfare of the diaspora) said any non-resident Keralite (NRK) can register for free on the website www.norkaroots.net.
"...the entire process is very simple. We have started this without any fanfare but this was brought to the attention during the recently concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and the Global NRK Meet held in Kochi, early this month," said Sudeep.
"This is just a statistical exercise as there are complaints that none knows how many Keralite's are there in every country. It was only when trouble broke out in Iraq and Libya, that we got to know that there were so many Keralites in these countries," said Sudeep.
The questionnaire is a simple one and can be filled in by anyone. This exercise is also inviting Keralites who are settled outside the state but within the country to register themselves online.
"We have decided to speak to all our Kerala-based organisations that are there in most countries. These organisations...will act as the agent for helping people who do not have access to computers to complete the registration. Even without any publicity, the directory has got a good response," said Sudeep.
The most recent study conducted by K.C. Zachariah and S. Irudayarajan of the Centre for Development Studies revealed that the number of Kerala emigrants as of 2014 was 23.63 lakh, with 90 percent residing in the various Middle East countries.
The figures are based on a sample survey covering 20,000 Kerala households by these academics.
Fake PMO Website Busted, Mastermind Arrested
New Delhi, Jan 18 (IANS) Delhi Police has busted a fake website of the Prime Minister's Office
IT Act's Section 66A does not curb free speech, Government tells SC
New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) The central government Tuesday defended section 66A of the Information
The US will provide $600 million in additional military aid to Ukraine. The State Department gave
What happened during the dispute between Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble, Virender Sehwag revealed
Virender Sehwag, the former explosive opener of the Indian team, has made a big disclosure regard
Farmers Protest: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have announced the cancellation of all three ag
Work on two power projects has started: K. Rosaiah
Chennai, Feb 17 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah Tuesday said work on two power projects i
Mamata expresses gratitude for Trinamool's bypoll success
Kolkata, Feb 16 (IANS) West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee Monday expressed gratitude t
Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor is currently celebrating the success of his recently released f
India and Bangladesh will further deepen and strengthen cooperation on security and border issues
Demand for the world's No.1 bowler, players got other options to shine the ball
Cricket is not being played due to Corona virus. Some countries have started a campaign to revive