New Delhi, March 17: Raising concerns over increasing land grabs targeting properties owned by Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu urged the GOI to establish a robust mechanism to protect their interests.
Speaking during the ongoing Budget session, he noted that rising cases have instilled fear among NRIs, forcing many to sell their ancestral properties—their primary link to India.
Citing data from the Union Ministry of External Affairs, Sandhu mentioned that 140 complaints related to NRI property disputes were received from 18 states over the past three and a half years. Tamil Nadu accounted for the highest number at 22, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 18 and Delhi with 12.
Sandhu acknowledged the significant role of NRIs in India’s growth, stating that over 3.5 crore NRIs contribute substantially to the economy.
He noted that the recent UK Parliament elections saw 29 MPs of Indian origin elected, increasing their total strength to 40 across both houses—a testament to the Indian diaspora’s expanding global influence.
As part of confidence-building measures, Sandhu suggested land mapping to prevent illegal possession and called for a one-stop solution to assist NRIs in property disputes.
He urged the government to ensure a time-bound process for evicting unauthorized occupants and proposed fast-track courts to expedite legal cases.
Besides, he recommended a dedicated facility for NRIs to register complaints through Indian embassies with regular follow-ups.
“These steps will not only safeguard NRI properties from illegal occupation but also reinforce their trust in India’s legal system and strengthen their connection with the country,” Sandhu noted.
