Punjab govt appoints Sanjeev Arora as new NRI minister, diaspora extends support for overseas outreach; but demands real action this time

AMRITSAR : With the recent replacement of Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal as Punjab’s NRI minister by Sanjeev Arora, a wave of cautious optimism is sweeping through the diaspora. Past frustrations are giving way to hope, and some NRIs are even stepping forward with bold offers to fund overseas govt outreach offices, provided their voices are genuinely heard.“Despite heartfelt appeals by NRIs and bold promises made by the Punjab govt, NRIs continue to face numerous unresolved issues, including property disputes such as fraudulent property transfers , illegal occupations of their properties, matrimonial conflicts, etc.," said Rajwant Singh from Switzerland following a Zoom meeting with members of the NRI community.He said there is no doubt that the Punjab govt has set up dedicated bodies — including the NRI department and NRI police stations — but they have largely failed to deliver real results.

He added that poor leadership, lack of funds, too much paperwork, and political interference have left the majority of NRIs disappointed. “Even when we file complaints with the NRI police, the cases get buried under influence and delay,” alleged Rajwinder.Shubhlatha Vishat from Germany said that when Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal — himself once an NRI — was appointed to the role of NRI minister in 2022, expectations were sky-high.

His decision to give up American citizenship was seen as a gesture of deep commitment. Yet, as time went on, NRIs began to feel that his tenure did not live up to its promise. “He had the right story, but no strategy. We didn’t see any serious outreach. It felt like NRI issues were simply a portfolio, not a priority,” she said.Many NRIs still remember how their coordinated support helped sweep AAP to power in 2022. They say they are willing to do it again, but this time, only if their issues are addressed with sincerity and speed.Sonia Kumari from Finland said that most of the overseas Punjabis enthusiastically supported the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the 2022 elections by mobilising fundraising campaigns and social media drives in its favour. “We expected that a people-first party would prioritise their voices. When this didn’t happen, the sense of betrayal was palpable,” she said.Avtar Singh from Belgium said that with the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections on the horizon, the AAP has a golden opportunity .

“If the new NRI minister Sanjeev Arora shows genuine engagement and results within the next year, he will unlock a force of global goodwill,” he said, but cautioned that if the new NRI minister repeats the mistakes of the past, it will lose a generation of trust.With Sanjeev Arora, recently elected MLA from Ludhiana West, now at the helm of NRI affairs , the NRI community is extending a powerful offer. Rajwinder said the NRIs, during the Zoom meeting, have decided to extend a rare and unprecedented offer to fully bear the costs of establishing NRI-specific offices abroad — including rent, salaries, and daily operations — if the Punjab govt commits to genuinely resolving their concerns.

“These offices must not be ceremonial, but they should be staffed by trained legal, administrative, and consular experts — not political appointees — and must function as direct bridges between overseas Punjabis and the Punjab government ,” said Rajwinder. Echoing Rajwinder, an NRI from Norway, Jagtar Singh, said, “If the govt is serious, we are ready to support not just financially, but strategically. We can help draft policy, identify priority cases, and ensure rapid coordination.

But we need genuine political will.”