Vayalar Ravi,71 Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs

Ravi,who took charge of the ministry in 2006,wasn’t successful in getting NRIs and overseas corporate bodies to put their money in India. He got additional charge of Parliamentary Affairs last year.

His brief

The ministry sought to “offer customised solutions to meet the varied expectations of the overseas Indian community” and “tap the diaspora” for knowledge and resources.

The deliveries

• Implemented a scholarship scheme for diaspora children.

• Launched a skill-orientation and upgradation programme for emigrant workers.

• Provided legal assistance to women facing problems in NRI marriages.

Reforms derailed

• A proposal to give voting rights to NRIs has been pending for three years.

• Efforts to amend the Emigration Act,1983,with tough punishment for human smuggling,could not materialise.

• The draft migration policy is nowhere near completion.

OPPORTUNITIES blown

When Indian dock workers in Mississippi alleged they were being treated like slaves,the government did not extend enough support to them. The workers approached the UN.

High point

As Parliamentary Affairs Minister,he is credited with playing a key role in ensuring that the government sailed through the July 22 trust vote.

Low point

Took up the case of Anand Jon,who was convicted on seven counts in the US. He even forwarded a petition from Jon’s sister to the MEA.

Did he get your vote?

He is a Rajya Sabha member.

View from the shadow

“Indian workers are losing jobs. If not financial help,the government should have at least offered moral support.”

— Kedar Nath Sahani,Convenor,Overseas Friends of BJP