NRNs' bouquet of expectations ahead of fourth global meet

Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) have hailed the NRN Act as a positive step since it acknowledges the diasporas contribtion. However, in the same breath they hasten to add that it is inadequate.
"The NRN Act, promulgated after our persistent effort for the past six years, is uncomplete in its current form," said Ram Pratap Thapa, vice-president, International Coordination Council (ICC) and a resident of Germany.
He is in the running for president's post in the ICC -- the governing body of the NRN Association, which is holding its Fourth Global conference, starting here on October 13. The three-day event concludes on October 15.
"The government needs to address our aspirations," said Dev Man Hirachan, vice-president, ICC, and a resident of Japan. He, too, is eyeing the president's post.
Bhim Udas, a resident of Lesotho and the third presidential candidate, echoed a similar concern.
They are in a race to succeed Dr Upendra Mahato, the president since the inception of the association.
One of them will lead the NRNA -- the only organised body of the diaspora across the globe -- was set up in 2002. The pool of skilled and affulent NRNs is an immense asset for the nation. They have been lobbying for dual citizenship.
"Dual citizenship to the NRNs is mutually beneficial," they reason. The governnment, though, feels that the move is fraught with problems.
The NRN Act -- promulgated two years ago -- provides certain rights and privileges. It permits the NRNs to invest back home, and provides 10-year rewneable visa. But the NRNs want a dual citizenship since that will help unfettered right to travel in and out of Nepal.
The NRNA had earlier pledged to raise a $100-million Fund also. "But the corpus has run into trouble since the NRNA is yet to be registered," said Thapa.
Confusion persists over the NRN's definition also. Both the government and the diaspora are at odds over it. There are 2.5 million NRNs across 55 nations, which are likely to go up to 100 in the next couple of years.
Around 700 NRNs from 55 countries will take part in the three-day global meet, which will be inaugurated by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav. The government, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and NRN Association are jointly organising the global conference.