We must comply with the domestic laws of this country just like we would expect our laws to be respected.
In 2010, we had signed the agreement on transfer of sentenced persons with a view of rehabilitating them socially and psychologically. Both sides are now discussing the modalities for implementing this agreement which will go a long way in addressing the issue of Indian prisoners in Saudi Arabia.
Our relationship with Israel came into existence in 1992, much after some of the Arab countries had established ties with Israel. Our relationship with Israel is independent of our ties with Islamic countries. India has strong and historic ties with the Arab world the key Gulf allies understand that our relationship with Israel does not impact on their own relationship. India firmly believes that all states in the region, including Israel, should have the right to exist in peace within secure boundaries. They have repeatedly said that they are very happy with the services that Indians are providing, both in terms of quality and conduct. They have also given us a grace period. We are processing all the candidates. They have also given opportunities for the people to switch jobs and regularize their work and continue to work here. So it is only those who can’t switch due to lack of employment opportunity without incurring any penalties. I don’t think you can expect any greater generosity than this. And then it leaves the opportunities open for fresh people to come here, provided there is demand and they have the proper papers. I think rationalizing, regularizing and sorting out the ambiguities is something that we should welcome. Some responsibility also falls upon us as well to do some handholding, to ensure that those going back home are resettled in India, and then when the opportunity arises they can come back. Meanwhile, I am confident that once this is sorted out the demand for workers will continue and, therefore, more people from India can legitimately come. And add to the legitimate work force here.
This must be done by state governments. I have spoken to chief ministers and I am sure they will take care of them.
The Central Government can only give money to state governments through the Finance Commission and through different schemes.
The elections should take place as scheduled. Why should we give up the time that we have. It is like asking somebody who is playing a five-day test match to turn it into a threeday match. This is a test match, not T-20. Elections come periodically. And no elections are a last word for any political party. You will win a few, and you will lose a few. Every election is a learning experience. Somehow some people think that the election they win is the last election and the election they lose is not the last election. In democracy, every election is a learning process. You learn from every election, the one that you win and the one that you lose. And then you prepare for the next one.