36 Indian workers rescued from Oman after Union minister Goyal's intervention
Mumbai (PTI): Thirty-six Indian workers stranded in Oman have been rescued and brought back home safely following the intervention of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.
The workers were rescued in coordination with the Indian Embassy in the West Asian country, said Goyal on Tuesday.
Goyal noted the rescue exercise was guided by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend every possible assistance to Indians in distress abroad.
"The safe return of 36 Indian workers from Oman is a testament to Prime Minister Modi's decisive leadership and the government's unwavering resolve to protect every Indian life abroad," emphasised the BJP Lok Sabha MP from North Mumbai.
The issue was brought to Goyal's attention by Govind Prasad, BJP Adhyaksh (chief) of Ward No 24, North Mumbai, who informed him that 18 Indian workers in Oman, including one of his relatives, were allegedly being exploited by their employer and living in distressing conditions.
Taking prompt cognisance of the matter, the Union minister directed his officers to prioritise the case and reach out to the Indian Embassy in Oman for immediate intervention.
Acting swiftly, the Embassy, with the help of local authorities, not only traced the 18 reported workers, but also located 18 other Indians facing similar hardship.
"All 36 workers were provided temporary shelter at a local gurdwara, which graciously offered them accommodation while the Embassy completed the necessary formalities for their return," Goyal said.
Within days, all the workers were safely repatriated to India, he added.
The workers had reportedly travelled to the Gulf country seeking better job opportunities, but were allegedly subjected to exploitation, including delayed or partial salary payments made after four to five months, confinement in cramped accommodations, and confiscation of passports.
In some instances, loans were allegedly taken in their names, and the employer reportedly threatened them with arrest if they attempted to leave.
Goyal noted such cases reaffirm the government's commitment to safeguard the welfare, dignity, and safety of every Indian citizen abroad.
"For us, serving Indians in distress is not just a responsibility, it is a sacred duty. Our workers abroad are the pride of the nation, and this government will leave no stone unturned to ensure their safety, dignity, and return home when needed," he opined.
The Union minister urged citizens to exercise caution before travelling abroad for employment.
"Before travelling abroad for work, please verify the authenticity of agents and potential employers carefully. A little caution can prevent immense suffering and protect you from fraudulent agents," he suggested.
In a similar instance in August this year, Goyal intervened to assist the family of an Indian worker from Mumbai who had died in Guinea, a coastal country in West Africa.
Following his direction, the Indian Mission in the African nation acted swiftly to bring back the mortal remains, which were handed over to the worker's grieving family.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bihar govt to constitute 100 fast-track courts to expedite disposal of criminal cases: Home min
Patna (PTI): Bihar Home Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday announced that the state government will establish 100 fast-track courts (FTCs) to ensure the swift disposal of pending cases.
He said that the move also aims to ease the burden on regular courts for them to accord due attention to sensitive cases.
Choudhary said the decision in this regard has been made considering that over 18 lakh cases are pending before different courts in the state.
The constitution of FTCs will "bring in a big relief" to the judicial system and litigants, he said.
"To operationalise 100 FTCs across 38 districts and sub-divisions, the government will undertake large-scale recruitment," the home minister asserted in a statement.
He said that a total of 900 posts, including those of bench clerks, office clerks, stenographers, deposition writers, data entry operators, drivers, process servers and peons, will be filled.
Choudhary also announced that 79 courts will be designated as 'act courts' to fast-track cases related to the Arms Act. Swift resolution of such serious cases, he said, will strengthen law and order in the state.
The minister said that Patna alone will get eight fast-track courts, while four courts each will be set up in Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Bhagalpur. Three FTCs each are planned for Nalanda (Bihar Sharif), Rohtas (Sasaram), Saran (Chhapra), Begusarai, Vaishali (Hajipur), East Champaran (Motihari), Samastipur and Madhubani.
Similarly, two courts each will be established in West Champaran (Bettiah), Saharsa, Purnea, Munger, Nawada, Jehanabad, Arwal, Aurangabad, Kaimur (Bhabhua), Buxar, Bhojpur (Arrah), Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Banka, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai and Khagaria. One FTC each is also proposed for the sub-divisional courts of Naugachia and Bagaha.
