NEW DELHI, Feb. 20, 2007
Sonia Sharma
The Indian government announced to provide legal aid to women
who were deserted by NRIs. The government will provide US $1,000
to women, either deserted or divorced within two years of marriage.
The main objective of the scheme is financial aid for women to
seek legal and counselling services through its foreign missions.
All legal services would be provided by credible Indian associations
and women's organisations. This scheme will be introduced in the
US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East. The victims
and families are advised to check the overseas Indian groom’s
voter registration card, social security number, employment record,
tax returns and other relevant information pertaining to the three
preceding years as this information would enable them to find
out the financial and marital status of the proposed grooms.
Indian Government was approched by media and parents of the
victims regarding failed and fraudulent marriage between NRI grooms
and Indian girls. The problems of women may be due to dowry or
Western way of life.
The Indian Govt. will inform to all their Indian missions abroad
to circulate the scheme among the NRI community associations.
'It will be sent to women's groups and NGOs inviting them to apply
for empanelment under the scheme for providing legal services.
The women's organisation/NGOs will make efforts to enlist community
advocates to extend further legal assistance/appearance in court
etc,' the statement said.
It is estimated that more than 30,000 women have been deserted
by NRIs in India
