Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and United Kingdom Member of Parliament Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, chairman of the UK Parliament’s Defence Committee, held detailed discussions at the Punjab Legislative Assembly complex on matters concerning the Punjabi diaspora and the state’s development priorities, officials said on Wednesday.
Focus on NRIs, land disputes and faster redressal
The meeting, convened while the Assembly session was under way and attended by Dhesi at the chief minister’s invitation to witness proceedings, placed particular emphasis on grievances faced by Non‑Resident Indians (NRIs). Concerns were raised about delays in land and property disputes involving NRIs and the hardship caused by prolonged litigation and repeated travel to settle matters.
Dhesi urged that an effective mechanism be put in place to ensure such cases are resolved within a fixed timeframe so that NRIs are not required to make multiple visits to Punjab or remain embroiled in long legal battles. The discussions also covered ways to encourage the Punjabi diaspora to invest in the state.
Air connectivity and cargo services
Both leaders discussed strengthening international air connectivity through Punjab’s airports, particularly Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Chandigarh. Dhesi stressed the need to substantially boost direct international flights from major UK cities such as London and Birmingham along with other global destinations, so that the two airports can function as aviation hubs for the larger North India region.
Proposals reviewed during the session included expanding passenger links and enhancing cargo and commercial air services to facilitate trade and diaspora investment. Officials noted that better connectivity could reduce travel time and cost for NRIs, besides opening fresh avenues for export of agricultural and other products from Punjab.
| Airport | Role discussed |
|---|---|
| Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee Int’l, Amritsar | Proposed as a major international hub for North India; increase direct flights from UK |
| Shaheed Bhagat Singh Int’l, Chandigarh | Enhance international connectivity and cargo services; attract direct flights |
Security, extortion and use of Kartarpur corridor
The talks also addressed law-and-order concerns, including threats and extortion targeting calls, which have affected some members of the diaspora and residents. Strengthening mechanisms to protect Punjabis abroad and at home featured in the discussions, according to official summaries of the meeting.
Both leaders explored the potential of greater use of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor as a conduit for promoting regional peace and people‑to‑people contact. Officials said this aspect was discussed as part of broader efforts to enhance cross‑border cultural and religious exchanges.
Investment push and next steps
Measures to encourage diaspora investment in Punjab were reviewed, with an emphasis on creating facilitative policies and streamlined processes to attract funds for industry, infrastructure and agri‑processing. Dhesi and Mann discussed ways to leverage improved air links and investor outreach to convert interest from NRIs into tangible projects in the state.
- Setting up a time‑bound mechanism for speedy resolution of NRI land and property disputes.
- Boosting direct international flights from UK cities to Amritsar and Chandigarh.
- Enhancing cargo services to support exports and diaspora commerce.
The meeting underscored the growing role of the Punjabi diaspora in the state’s economic and social affairs and signalled an intent to pursue coordination between the Punjab government and overseas stakeholders. Chief Minister Mann welcomed Dhesi to the Assembly and appreciated his engagement with Punjab issues while Dhesi attended the proceedings as a special invitee.
Officials said follow‑up actions would focus on practical steps to improve grievance redressal for NRIs, advance talks with airlines and civil aviation authorities on strengthening international connectivity, and explore targeted outreach to diaspora investors. No timetable or formal agreements were announced at the conclusion of the meeting.
Gurpreet Kaur is the Punjab correspondent reporting from Chandigarh.
