New Delhi (16.09.2021): Former IFS officer Venu Rajamony has become the Kerala government's first-ever pointman to deal with the Malayali diaspora spread all over the world but particularly concentrated in large numbers in the Gulf states.
The state government has hired him as an OSD (External Cooperation) for a year on contract at an honorarium of ₹one lakh per month, besides defraying all expenses like local transport, travel, communication, etc.
Indeed, the diaspora is so large and so scattered that it's well-nigh impossible for the state government to cope with their demands and requirements. Besides routine matters related to their welfare, geopolitical problems also engulf India's migrant workers like what happened in Kuwait in the Nineties and subsequently in Iraq after the collapse of the Iraqi state and transitory reign of terror of ISIS there as well as the situation triggered by the Covid pandemic.
So, it is a welcome measure by the state government of Kerala to appoint Rajamony as its pointman.
Being an old IFS hand, he would be able to coordinate his moves for the Malayali diaspora with the MEA in dealing with diaspora issues. He would also be helpful in promoting the state's cultural, financial, and academic alliances with foreign missions and governments.
An official statement issued in this regard explains that Rajamony's job would cover specific issues brought to his notice by the State Government.
In addition, he would liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs, foreign missions in New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and other cities, deal with Indian diplomatic missions abroad on various matters including those pertaining to Kerala's diaspora, and explore opportunities for external cooperation in diverse sectors.
The job description enjoins upon him to follow up matters arising out of the official visits of the Chief Minister abroad.
He will also monitor the progress of proposals received from foreign diplomatic missions and proposals initiated from the State Government.
He will advise the State Govemment on rules and regulations governing all engagements with foreign governments and other entities, and Pravasi issues.
He will also explore collaboration and cooperation opportunities for Kerala in overseas education opportunities, cultural linkages, financing, skill development, and employment, etc.
He will support and facilitate the State Government's interaction with foreign official/s and business delegations visiting Kerala.
