Non-Resident Biharis (NRBs) came in a large number to meet him. The minister briefed the members about the changes taking place in Bihar. Indian Consul in UAE Francis Xavier Xaxa was also present at the meeting.

Nitish Mishra, who was in Dubai to participate in the British Council Leadership Programme, promised to send more and more information to the UAE Chapter on Agriculture subsidy, Industrial Policy as well as facts and figures related to rural development ministry. He also briefed the audience on caste-based census taking place in the state.

It was first time that the NRBs were approached by any government representative.

The members of Bihar Foundation of UAE Chapter also briefed him about the situation of Bihari Diaspora, which is estimated to be around 42,000. It is one of the largest concentrations of NRBs in any country. They contribute a lot to home state by sending back most of their earnings.

In fact Siwan and Gopalganj districts feature in the list of Western Union’s top districts of India.

The members also put on some demands from the government.

They included: Government of Bihar should organize Road Show for Tourism and Investment; Bihar’s culture, cuisines and art should be showcased; Government should support in organizing events such as Bihar Divas and other festivities, They should send the cultural troupes, artistes; Bihar Foundation should interact more with their chapters and there should be a direct flight from Dubai to Patna.

The Rural Development Minister assured the members that he would discuss these demands with the chief minister Nitish Kumar and would do his best to fulfil them.

On behalf of Bihar Foundation UAE Chapter, its President. Omer Hejazeen invited chief minister and deputy chief minister, Sushil Kumar Modi, to visit UAE.

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