Video chat facility for NRIs a non-starter

Jalandhar, October 20
In spite of having immense utility for Punjabi NRIs living in different parts of the world, the much-publicised video conferencing facility introduced by the NRI affairs wing of the Punjab Police has turned out to be a non-starter with only two NRIs availing the facility since its launch about a month ago, mainly owing to the lack of awareness.
Meanwhile, NRIs facing problems or those having suggestions for the betterment of NRIs would now be able to hold video conferencing with Gurpreet Deo, Chief Inspector General, NRI affairs wing, on all working days. Earlier, the video calling facility was available just for an hour a week, but from now on, the NRIs would be able to participate in video chat on the basis of a prior appointment with the NRI wing.
“From now on, they (NRIs) can seek a prior appointment for seeking redressal of their grievances either by way of calling at our office or via email at nri.pbpolice@gmail.com or at the Punjab Police website. During the past one month, we have observed that the one-hour long video chat from 4 pm to 5 pm on Mondays was not convenient for people residing in some countries. So we have come out with an alternative in the shape of a prior appointment,” said Deo.
The NRIs could contact Deo directly at landline phone no. 0172-2749353 or its helpline no. 0172-2748100 for fixing an appointment for video chat. “The only requirement for video chat on all working days at nri.pbpolice@gmail.com is that the caller should be having a google mail account and he or she should be having a prior appointment fixed with us,” said Deo. Interestingly, the NRIs have evinced little interest in availing the facility containing aimed at extending help to them. Only two NRIs, including a woman from San Jose, US, came forward to participate.