A well functioning, prosperous, and stable India is important for the world. This is especially so for those of Indian origin. Many of us have deep sentimental attachments to India. While we may be living abroad, our concerns are both material and spiritual. No matter how distant we may be, we never stop caring about India.

India is home to a billion people and is the world’s largest experiment in democracy. Despite its commitment to democracy as a political ideal, India consistently fares low in most indicators of citizen well being. Its institutions seem to be weak, with tremendous public disenchantment and despair. Such lack of positive attitude and feelings of helplessness, if left un-checked, can do permanent damage and leave India further behind in the global context.

FDRI believes that we can contribute not just monetarily, but also through the richness of our experiences, ideas, actions and influence. FDRI initiates and participates in in-depth awareness campaigns. The following represent some of the ways in which NRIs can support this movement Institutional support: There are several NRI non-profit organizations that are interested in India.

Yes. NRIs can bring 100 Kgs of silver (including ornaments) into India, if they come to India after a period of not less than six months of stay abroad.

Under the theme of Efficiency and Effectiveness, one of the objectives is to ensure fair and sound practices are embedded across the organization, its operating groups and committees, including appropriate balance of representation on the Board of Directors. The proposed corporate governance reforms are intended to increase diversity and range of expertise among candidates and reduce the influence of any one group on the nomination and election process.

In a well functioning democracy with good governance, the nexus between the vote and the conduct of elected officials is quite clear. Politicians and officials are held accountable for their actions and results. This promotes good governance that in turn creates opportunities to solve national problems in a constructive and timely manner. FDRI is strictly non-partisan in its approach.

Banks holding authorised dealers' licences (i.e. banks authorised to deal in foreign exchange) or banks specifically authorised in this behalf by Reserve Bank can only maintain accounts in the names of NRIs. Certain Co- operative/commercial banks (referred to as authorised banks) have been specifically permitted to maintain accounts of NRIs expressed in rupees even though they are not authorised dealers.

Ans. Yes. NRIs can bring into India gold upto 10,000 grams as part of their baggage once in six months provided they have stayed abroad for a continuous period of six months.

NRIs are allowed to bring (import) gold (including ornaments) into India upto 10 Kgs, subject payment of Customs Duty, under Baggage Rules of the Government of India when they return to India.

Yes. RBI permits on application such requests received from NRIs up to the value of Rs. 20,000 for such articles (other than those made of gold or silver or those banned for export).

Yes. They can be held in RFC (Resident Foreign Currency ) Accounts. For details visit www.sbi.co.in and click on types of accounts under NRI services on the home page.

NRIs/OCBs/FIIs can purchase, without limit, on repatriation basis Government dated securities, Treasury Bills, Units of Mutual Funds, PSU Bonds etc. In addition, they can also purchase on non-repatriation basis units of Money Market Mutual Funds and National Plan/Savings Certificates.

Ans. NRIs can make investments in new issues of shares/convertible debentures of Indian companies under direct investment schemes such as 24% scheme/40% scheme/100% scheme. They can also invest in the schemes of domestic Mutual Funds floated by public/private sector institutions/companies and bonds issued by public sector undertakings, Non-resident investors are not required to apply for permission to invest but the company concerned will have to obtain permission from Reserve Bank.

Ans. Yes. Investment upto 100% in the new issue of equity shares/convertible debentures of Indian companies engaged in the followed areas is allowed- ii) Real estate covering construction of residential and commercial premises including business centres and offices;

Ans. Yes. NRIs are permitted to keep deposits with public limited companies in India for a minimum period of three years subject to certain ceilings/conditions. Application for the purpose is required to be made by the company receiving the deposits through an authorised dealer. Ans. Yes.

Life Insurance Policies bought by NRIs in India are governed by the regulations issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These regulations are known as the ‘Life Insurance Manual’.

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No special approval is required. NRIs/FIIs have been granted a general permission by RBI [Schedule 5 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a Person Resident Outside India) Regulations, 2000] for investing in/redeeming units of the schemes subject to conditions set out in the aforesaid regulations.

NRI coming into India from abroad can bring with him foreign exchange without any limit provided if foreign currency notes, travellers cheques, Forexplus Card exceed US$ 10,000/- or its equivalent and/or the value of foreign currency exceeds US$ 5,000/- or its equivalent, it should be declared to the Customs Authorities at the Airport in the Currency Declaration Form (CDF), on arrival in India.

Yes. They are required to pay customs duty in any convertible foreign currency at a rate equivalent to Rs. 220/- per 10 grams of gold.

Yes, NRIs are freely permitted to invest their funds in Government securities or Units of UTI through authorised dealers Units can also be purchased directly from UTI.