Punjab minister wants email ballot facility for NRI's

He pointed out that more than 11 million Indians owing to employment, education or otherwise were living in different parts of the world and have not acquired citizenship of any other country and with this new notification they becomes eligible to register their names in the electoral rolls in their places as mentioned in their passport and would be able to exercise their franchise.

The Minister said that this decision would have a greater impact on Punjab as number of Punjabis’ were staying abroad and due to no voting rights till now, feels disheartened, especially, when they were here during elections. The Punjab government had taken up this issue with the Union government several times.

He demanded that the Election Commission, while finalizing the rules and regulations prescribing modalities for entry of names of NRIs in electoral rolls must explore the possibility for E.mail ballot rights to these NRIs also as it may not be physically possible for each NRI to visit his native place during elections.

Sekhwan said that the NRIs were more aware of the political changes and International exposure makes them more sensible about the future of Indian politics. He expressed confidence that their voting rights would bring a significant change in the political affairs of country.