A delegation of global non-resident Indians from Karnataka met the new chief minister of the state, D.K. Shivakumar, to demand a separate ministry for themselves. They said the ministry is needed to growing concerns of overseas Kannadigas relating to welfare, employment, investments, legal assistance, student support and emergency services. Non-Resident Kannadigas (NRKs) requested a separate ministry for NRI Karnataka affairs along with a dedicated secretariat and directorate. Interestingly, this delegation requested a person connected for a long time with NRI affairs in the state be made the minister. 

The 30-member delegation was led by NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco. He told the media the state officially estimates 1.8 million Kannadigas living in 100 countries. While states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab have a dedicated NRI ministry, Karnataka must also have one.