Dubai: N Chandrababu Naidu, chief minister of the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, launched three innovative schemes for non-resident Telugus (NRTs) in Dubai on Saturday.
At a meet-and-greet event organised at Shaikh Rashid Auditorium, Naidu announced the setting up of a 24/7 helpline, Rs1 million (Dh56,432) insurance scheme and an emergency fund for Gulf workers.
Elaborating on his new schemes, Naidu said the 24-hour helpline will address all grievances of Gulf workers instantly. “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,” he said.
Claiming that it is the first of its kind in the country, Naidu said if any other state comes up with a better non-resident Indian policy, “we will try to make ours the best”.
He encouraged NRTs to utilise these benefits.
Naidu, who met investors and representatives of the non-resident Telugus at Dubai, invited them to invest in the state while highlighting the developmental initiatives and the opportunities for investment.
He said he would strive to make Andhra Pradesh the number one state in India by 2029 not just in terms of development but also in the happiness index. He exhorted the NRIs who contributed to the development of infrastructure in Dubai to also extend similar support to the development of Andhra Pradesh.
“Singapore has a minister for health. Likewise, we also have set up a Happiness Department in the state. I strive to look for happiness in whatever I do. As part of spreading happiness, we have initiated Ramadan Tohfa (Ramadan Gift), Sankranti Kanuka, Happy Sunday and Ananda Lahiri [waves of happiness] in the state,” Naidu said.
“Just as we need food for our body, we need relaxation for our mind so that we can lead a happy, contended life,” he added.
He said the state government has also set up a Skills Development Institute, which will benefit Gulf workers to hone skills in their respective fields so that they can earn better salaries.
Naidu is credited with the introduction of a direct Emirates flight to Hyderabad as chief minister 15 years ago. He said talks are under way for similar flights to Andhra’s capital, Amaravati, the temple town of Tirupati and the tourist town of Visakhapatnam.
Andhra Pradesh NRI Minister Kollu Ravindra and Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Urban Housing Minister P. Narayana attended the event.
