Guwahati,  Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi has requested US Consul General in Kolkata to review the guidelines of the H1B visas and open a Consulate General office for northeast region in Guwahati, a Raj Bhavan official said on Friday.

 

Mukhi discussed a wide range of issues ranging from economy to enhanced relations between the US and Assam when Consul General Melinda Pavek called on him at the Raj Bhavan.

He discussed about the H1B Visas and sought her help in revisiting the visa guidelines, as they are old and as a result, more Indians are moving to Canada.

"Revisiting the guidelines of the H1B Visas is essential to help and encourage Indian professionals and students to make the US as their destination. The Consul General assured that she would take up the matter with higher authorities," a Raj Bhavan statement said.

The Governor, while drawing attention of the Consul General to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the state, told her about the development initiatives undertaken by the government to ensure social security of the people and increasing the confidence of the investors.

He also requested the Consul General to open an office for northeast India in Guwahati and also requested her to establish a United States Information Service (USIS) Library in Guwahati, assuring her of all necessary help from the state government.

The US Consul General was accompanied by Consul for Political and Economic Affairs Sonia Laul, Vice Consul Clinton Walls, Political Affairs Specialist from US Consulate General, Kolkata, Tinku Roy.