NRI Worldwide > NRInterest
Air India ordered to pay Rs.30,000 for 'casual attitude'
Report dated 25/03/2013 @ 3:02 PM
The New Delhi Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed Air India to pay Rs.30,000 to retired Vice Admiral Sukhmal Jain, 74, as compensation for their 'casual attitude’ towards in-flight services provided to him and his wife and for the inconvenience they experienced on a flight to New York. In his complaint Jain said he bought first class tickets so they could travel in comfort to New York as they are both older people. But, the flight took off late, the entertainment system was not functional, the stewardess call bell did not function, the seats were uncomfortable and the overhead light and other facilities were in disorder. He protested to the cabin crew and wrote to the airline after he returned to India but received only an apology for the inconvenience. In its reply Air India said none of the other passengers had complained. The Forum said Air India's complacent attitude to in-flight services needs to be addressed, as its complacency is evident.
US immigration to woo skill-based immigrants
Report dated 24/03/2013 @ 5:05 PM
America is on the verge of overhauling its immigration laws, including the much desired H-1B visa, with new proposals being considered by a senate panel. The proposal includes enticing foreign students who pay top dollar to graduate from US universities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. These students will literally have H-1B visas - eventually leading to Green Cards - stapled to their degrees, if the proposals are passed. The student inflow already contributes over $3 billion annually to the US economy. Washington is gradually shifting its immigration policy from being "family" centered to economic and skill-based immigration. In effect prospective immigrants have a better chance of moving to America if they have a required skill set rather than just having a relative in the US. Technology giants such as Microsoft, IBM and Google want foreign workers because there is a genuine skills' shortage in the US and they have benefited from the infusion of foreign talent. On the other side of the coin is a vicious anti-immigrant sentiment on the ground including some directed against the H1-B visa programme and Indian workers.
Gallup poll says 10 million Indians wish to move to the US
Report dated 23/03/2013 @ 2:26 PM
According to a Gallop opinion poll, over 100 million people from across the world, including 10 million from India, would like to move permanently to the US, the most popular global destination. The poll said 29 million Chinese would like to move to the US, followed by 13 million from Nigeria and 6 million each from Brazil and Bangladesh. 37 percent of Liberians also say they would like to relocate to the US. Pakistanis on the other hand would like to move to Saudi Arabia and the UK, and Iranians prefer Jordan or Lebanon. Gallup said some 13 percent of the world's adults, or about 630 million people say they would like to leave their country and move elsewhere permanently.
Right-to-Information access made easier for NRIs
Report dated 23/03/2013 @ 2:22 PM
The Department of Posts and Telegraph has launched an online system, which allows NRIs to directly purchase Electronic-Indian Postal Orders (E-IPO) on the Internet, making it easier for Indians living abroad to file Right to Information or RTI applications, as Postal Orders are the required payment accompanying an RTI query. After completing a one-time registration, RTI NRI applicants can use credit or debit cards to purchase an E-IPO which will generate a unique E-IPO number which applicants can print out and quote in their RTI application.
Air India ordered to pay passenger Rs.88,000 after flight cancelled
Report dated 23/03/2013 @ 2:21 PM
The Delhi State Consumer Commission has asked Air India Express to pay Rs.80,000 to a passenger after failing to provide him with an alternative flight after his flight to Dubai was cancelled. The commission held the airline liable for damages saying it has to realise the inconvenience a passenger suffers on cancellation of a flight and it is their duty to provide alternative arrangements. The airline in its appeal challenged the decision saying the flight was cancelled due to a technical problem, but the commission dismissed its appeal. The complaint was made by Delhi resident Sunil Goyal, who said as a result he had to buy a more expensive ticket on another airline.
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