Hoping to strengthen the Indian diaspora's connection to their country, a group of ministers (GoM) on Thursday cleared a draft bill that will allow persons holding an Indian passport but studying or working abroad to vote, if they are in their constituency on election day.
The Representation of People's (Amendment) Bill was cleared by the GoM and will be taken up by the Union Cabinet soon. Speaking to TOI, overseas Indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi said the GoM had cleared the bill and it would be introduced in Rajya Sabha as early as the next session. ``This was a long-standing demand of people holding Indian passports especially in the Gulf. We hope to bring it in the Cabinet soon,'' Ravi said.
NRIs have been demanding voting rights for several years now. While many associations had been campaigning for voting through the internet, the option did not find favour with EC. According to sources, concerns were raised about the modality of the process. According to the present bill, Indians who are living abroad will be able to vote from their constituency.
Source: Times Of India GoM clears bill on voting rights for NRIs
