Bengaluru, June 21 -- The Karnataka government has decided to establish a dedicated Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Department to address the concerns of overseas Kannadigas and strengthen their engagement with the state.

The decision was taken following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister DK Shivakumar with heads of more than 10 NRI organisations. The proposed department will focus on resolving issues faced by Kannadigas living abroad while also facilitating investment mobilisation, skill development, employment generation, trade promotion and access to healthcare services.

According to officials, the department is being designed on the lines of similar initiatives implemented in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Punjab, which have dedicated...