Punjab Newsline, Sydney-
Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, assured members of the Punjabi diaspora in Australia that Punjab will become a safer and a prosperous state once the Congress returns to power in 2027.
Addressing a vibrant gathering at Bowman Hall, Blacktown, organised by prominent businessmen Jasbir Singh Goraya and Bhaskar Makkar, Bajwa reaffirmed his party’s commitment to restoring peace, good governance, and inclusive development in Punjab. Bajwa was accompanied by MLA Vikram Chaudhry.
The event was attended by key Australian political leaders including MP Stephen Bali, MP Warren Kirby, and MP Julia Finn, and municipal leaders from New South Wales, who engaged in meaningful discussions on diaspora concerns, international partnerships, and the strengthening of India-Australia ties.
Several NRIs shared deep concerns with Bajwa about the deteriorating law and order situation back home, expressing fears around visiting their native towns and villages. Bajwa responded with empathy, stating that the current state of affairs was unacceptable and would be decisively addressed under a future Congress-led government. “You should never feel afraid to return to your roots,” Bajwa told the audience, adding, “Punjab will once again become a place you are proud to visit, invest in, and call home.”
In his address, Bajwa outlined a vision for Punjab’s revival, anchored on good governance, economic rejuvenation, youth empowerment, and education reforms. He proposed setting up structured NRI advisory bodies in every district of Punjab to ensure better representation of diaspora voices in policymaking. He also said Congress will request NRIs to contribute to sectors like eco-agriculture, startups, and heritage tourism, promising full transparency and accountability in all investment channels.
Bajwa also pledged the establishment of NRI Grievance Redressal Cells and visa support desks at district level to streamline overseas employment and travel processes. On the education front, he announced plans for forging international education partnerships to equip Punjab’s youth with global skills.
In a separate interaction earlier in the day, Bajwa also met with over 400 international students from Punjab who are currently pursuing their studies in Australia. Addressing their concerns, Bajwa proposed concrete policy measures to support aspiring students back home. Responding to a question on financial proof for study visas, he suggested that a dedicated committee should be formed to work with cooperative banks. This committee would facilitate low-interest student loans against family land or property, helping students avoid exploitation by illegal agents who often charge exorbitant interest rates of up to 5% per month.