Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has clearly addressed the issues of Non-Resident Nepalis living abroad in its manifesto. Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa made public the full text of the affidavit amidst a programme in the capital on Thursday.

The plaintiff has been titled ‘Nepali Diaspora: Unbreakable Relations, Expanded Nepal’ from page 170 to 174 of the commitment. In the outset, the NC has pledged to integrate the feelings, knowledge, skills and capital of all generations of Diaspora for the country’s prosperity by ensuring the continuity of citizenship, property and voting rights by internalizing the slogan of ‘One Time Nepali Forever Nepali’ raised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association.

“Today, ‘Extended Nepal’ is alive in the feelings of millions of Nepalis living in any corner of the world who carry love for their land. “At a time when the contribution of Diaspora to the social, cultural and economic progress of the motherland is increasing significantly, it has become imperative to link their dignity and respect with the prosperity of Nepal,” reads the manifesto.

Respecting the major demands and aspirations of the Nepali Diaspora, it is the primary need of the hour to ensure the continuity of citizenship.

“In order to legally guarantee the citizenship, ancestral property and voting rights of Non-Resident Nepalis, an integrated Non-Resident Nepali Act should be brought by amending the existing obstructive laws,” the affidavit reads. ’

At a time when there is talk that NRN citizenship has been turned into a piece of paper, the NC has pledged to provide facilities and security to the Diaspora at par with Nepali citizens by removing legal complexities in the areas like land, immigration, company and labor to make it effective.

Similarly, at a time when there has been a debate on the issue of the use of Non-Resident Nepalese notes in Nepal for many years, the NC has also included the voice of voting from abroad, “Especially respecting the Supreme Court’s order, the amendment to the election law to allow Nepalis living abroad to vote from there will directly connect them with the national mainstream.” ’

Likewise, the role of Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) is significant in the economic prosperity of Nepal.

“Linking the capital of the diaspora in the infrastructure development of Nepal from the economic point of view can prove to be a milestone for the national economy. To create an investment-friendly environment, it is necessary to make bilateral agreements with various countries to ensure easy access of Non-Resident Nepalese (NRNs) to Nepal’s capital market and to end the dual taxation system. Not only economic remittances, the knowledge, skills and technology acquired abroad are even more important for Nepal’s development. Mechanisms such as the Knowledge and Innovation Center can play a major role in identifying high-skilled Nepali experts and connecting them to the country’s policymaking and research. ’

Special cultural and educational programs have also been emphasized to maintain attachment and ownership towards Nepal among the second and third generation of Diaspora.

“Concepts like residential summer schools should be encouraged to make Nepali children growing up abroad understand Nepal’s language, art and history and involve them in Nepali sports and art,” he said. In addition, the Diaspora should adopt a partnership model through the Government-Diaspora Community Development Fund for the Diaspora who want to contribute to the development of their birthplace. ’

It is believed that the government’s policy of providing additional money would further strengthen their love for motherland if any NRNs invest in education and health sector in their village.

“Nepali Diaspora is not only a medium of financial support but also a strong pillar to enhance Nepal’s international prestige and bring in modern technology,” reads the manifesto.