Is it possible for the client to hand over a PoA to his family member who can sign / open the account on his behalf etc?

No.

An NRI cannot authorize a family member through PoA to sign or open a Demat / Trading account on his behalf.

This is not permitted under Indian KYC and SEBI norms.

 Account opening & KYC – strictly personal

KYC must be completed by the client himself

Account Opening Form (AOF) must be:

Signed by the NRI account holder

 Supported by client’s own IPV / OVD verification

PoA cannot substitute KYC or account opening

           ? Allowing a family member to sign defeats the “Know Your Client” requirement, which regulators do not permit.