Interactive Dialogue between Consulate General of India Chicago and Indian Community

Chicago IL: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India in Chicago had organized an interactive session at the Consulate with members of the Indian American community from 11:00 am. to 1:00 pm on February 01, 2014, Saturday, at the premises of the Consulate of India, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850, Chicago, Illinois.

The Consul General and other senior diplomats were present during this interactive session. To get a better understanding of the problems and to present their views, V.K.Jain, Niraj Guglani and Abhilash-staff of B.L.S.International, the outsourcing agency were also present. There were many questions were raised highlighting various problems of delay in Visa processing.

Consul General, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed welcomed all and thanked everyone for being present in spite of the inclement weather and briefed all those present about the purpose of this meeting. He mentioned they have been receiving many complaints about the Out Sourcing Agency, i.e. B.S.L. International and some about the Consulate of India Office in Chicago on various issues. This forum was organized to give an opportunity to individuals and the community to present their problems in general, so that appropriate answers can be given to resolve issues and to eradicate deficiencies in the system. He also informed the participants that he has tried to make the visa processing easier for customers, since he has taken office. He provided his e-mail address, so he can be contacted directly in case of any emergency. He assured everyone to rectify all possible problems. He requested everyone to plan in advance so as to avoid last minute rush to process travel visas.

There were many community Leaders present including Dr. Bharat Barai, one of the most leading Community Leader and prominent Doctor, Naren Patel CEO of Medstar Laboratories. Beena Patel, Community Leader, 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 from Malayalee Community, Ajay Lakhani of Punjab Cultural Society and President of Indian Overseas Congress.

There were many questions put forth by many of the dignitaries and people present that was pertaining to various facets and aspects related to Visa, Passport, OCI and other services provided. They gave specific incidences as well as common problems which were faced by the general public. Most of them were concerned about unnecessary delays in execution at BLS International and few were directly related to CG Office. Glaring questions were raised about getting Visas in the case of senior citizens who are above 80 years, also issues related to Renunciation Certificate, Naturalization, citizenship of couple, one being Indian another being Pakistani, case of a child whose parents have divorced and getting Passport/Visa. There were questions about getting Visa in case of emergency, such as the sudden death of a loved one and the need to travel to India immediately. . More complaints were raised about BLS International, because customers are facing difficulty in contacting their office and they are receiving abrupt answers to questions asked.

It was very heartening to see that the discussions were very productive and every attempt was made to clarify all questions. Counsel General made it clear that the work of the Outsourcing agency is that of a facilitator only and they cannot delay nor can they charge more than required. The Consul General warned BLS authorities that in case of real complaints, penalty shall be levied upon them and he also assured of making surprise visits at their office to see their work. He agreed in principle to arrange such meetings at large gatherings if informed and agreed upon mutually.

All thanked Dr. Ausaf Sayeed for his friendly discussions and termed it as an unique example of readiness to help the public at large. Asian Media interviewed by video various dignitaries who were present at this event like Naren Patel, Beena Patel, Doudi Bohra Community Group, Cyriac K. Chandy, Ajay Lakhani and Santosh Kumar.

This interactive dialogue assured the Indian American community that any existing issues faced by customers will be addressed and delays could be avoided by seeking the assistance of the Consul General’s office in Chicago.