CHICAGO: An interactive session between members of Indian community and Indian Consul General was held at the Consulate office in Chicago Downtown on Saturday February 1 to get a first hand feel of the problem faced by community members at large in Midwest area with regard to handling for visa and OCI-PIO cards by the newly introduced BLS International,
V.K.Jain, Niraj Guglani and Abhilash were present on behalf of B.L.S. International, the outsourcing agency. Many questions were raised highlighting problems of delay in visas, loss and mis-directions of passports, etc.
Consul General Dr Ausaf Sayeed welcomed all and briefed those present about the purpose of this type of session. He said that he had been receiving many complaints about the outsourcing agency, BLS and was keen to get the same resolved to the satisfaction of all.
This meeting, he said, will provide a forum to individuals and the community to present their problems in general and it will the effort of the CG Office to address them and get appropriate solutions for them besides overcoming deficiencies in the system. He informed that since he took over he has tried to ease the entire process and would strive to see that the problem gets to zero level. He has already given numbers for contacting in case of emergency and also provision of contacting via e-mails, even giving direct link to CG himself. He assured to rectify all possible problems. However he requested all to plan everything in advance so as to avoid last minute rush as far as possible.
Among the community leaders present were Dr Bharat Barai, Naren Patel CEO of Medstar Laboratories, Santosh Kumar CEO of MAFS, Jagtar Singh Bajwa, Raghwir Singh Mahd, S.R.S. President, Representation of Bohra Community of Mumbai led by Kutubuddin Asgarali, Dr Harjinder Khaira, Cyriac K. Chandy of Malayalee community, representatives of Punjab Cultural Society and President of Indian Overseas Congress.
Many questions were put forth by the dignitaries and the persons present pertaining various facets and aspects related to the work of visa, passport, OCO and other issues citing specific incidents. Common problems faced by the general public were also raised. More complaints were directed against the outsourcing agency in failure to getting contact with them and when contact was established, getting abrupt and rude answers even while full service fees have been paid.
The complaints were also against some senior staffers at the CG Office. Concerned officers or staffers would just not answer the phone despite repeated attempts to reach them, it is said. A glaring case, not specifically cited at the meeting, was from a Senior Pariwar member who had his OCI card applied for and possibly cleared months ago but was not delivered despite repeated attempts to reach the Consulate and BLS.
Cases were cited about visas for senior people age over 80 years or so and Renunciation Certificate. Instances were also about citizenship of couple, (one being Indian another being Pakistani), of passport/ visa for a child whose parents got divorced. There were questions about getting visa in case of emergency following of sudden death and requiring immediate presence in India.
Many complimented the CG for taking initiative in organizing this type of meet and public forum to address vexatious issues facing the community. The CG made it clear that work of outsourcing is that of a facilitator only and they cannot delay matters nor can they charge more than suggested.
He also subtly warned BLS authorities that in case of real complaints penalty shall be levied. In a soothing gesture to the community members, he assured that there may be surprise checking at the BLS office to see their working. He also agreed in principle to arrange such meetings at large gatherings whenever it is possible.
The community members thanked Dr Ausaf Sayeed for his readiness to help public at large.
All existing and earlier outstanding issues concerning Indian passports, miscellaneous services, visas for India, OCI and PIO cards and community welfare matters were discussed on the occasion.
Suresh Shah & Asian Media USA
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