India budget: NRIs hail proposal to cut waiting time for Aadhaar card

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India budget: NRIs hail proposal to cut waiting time for Aadhaar card

Dubai - With the budget proposal of issuing Aadhaar Card for NRIs upon their arrival has ended the challenges residents faced.

By Sandhya D'Mello

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Published: Sat 6 Jul 2019, 4:11 PM

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE have welcomed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's proposal of quick issuance of Aadhaar cards to those holding Indian passports.
"I propose to consider issuing Aadhaar card for NRIs with Indian passports after their arrival in India, without waiting for the mandatory 180 days," Sitharaman said, while presenting her maiden Budget in the Parliament.
The new budget proposal is expected to end the challenges NRIs faced in crucial transactions.
Anjali Nair, a Dubai resident, pointed out: "This proposal will help all NRIs in a big way. With this, the confusion of whether NRIs require Aadhaar card is also put to rest. With shorter waiting period, it becomes easy for all NRIs to apply for it now. I would request the Indian government to consider Aadhaar enrolment centres in India's diplomatic missions - at least in those places where the Indian community reside in large numbers."
Dr Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director, Aster DM Healthcare, said: "It is good to know about the proposal. It will help NRIs sort out many issues that they face now regarding identity and transactions while in India."
Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of Danube Group, averred: "The budget proposal does add to the excitement for sure as it now reduces the hassle to wait for the time stipulated earlier."
Similarly, Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer, Century Financial, said: "The positive initiative will help the overseas Indians as Aadhaar card is now a basic requirement to avail many services. In this budget itself, the finance minister has stated that Aadhaar card can be used to pay taxes."
Krishnan Ramachandran, CEO, Barjeel Geojit Financial Services, echoed him. He emphasised: "The long standing demand to give Aadhaar card to NRIs has finally taken shape. NRIs could soon be able to get Aadhaar card upon their arrival in India. The earlier condition that one needs to be in India for more than 180 days is proposed to be removed and that's a positive move."
Another Dubai resident, Firose Khan, manager, Arabian Business Centre, said: "It is a very good proposal. Most of the expatriates go for vacations for a limited period, so it would be a blessing if they don't have to wait for 180 days."
Kamal Vachani, group director of Al Maya Group, pointed out: "The proposal is a welcome step and of great relief to the NRIs."
Srinivasan Gopalan, CEO, Ozone Group, remarked: "Issuing of Aadhaar card instantly is an incentive to the NRIs which will encourage them to invest in real estate in India. The Indian real estate industry will see increasing investment infusions from NRIs. This will boost the realty sector and improve industry sentiments."
Sajith Channadathu, a management consultant, said: "Once NRIs have Aadhaar card, it can be an initial step towards putting in place a frame work for giving voting rights to them."
- sandhya@khaleejtimes.com


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