Date:January 09, 2010
Ref. No. MPML/pms/003/2010
NRIs may get to vote from 2014
Our Political Bureau, NEW DELHI
WITH the government planning to introduce a Bill in the next session of Parliament to give voting rights to NRIs, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed hope that NRIs will be able to cast their votes in the 2014 general elections.
Reaching out to the Indian diaspora at the 8th edition of ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas', the prime minister said he recognised the desire of NRIs to exercise their franchise in India and hoped that NRIs would be able to vote by the next general elections in 2014.
“I recognise the legitimate desire of Indians living abroad to exercise their franchise and to have a say in who governs India. We are working on this issue and I sincerely hope that they will get a chance to vote by the time of the next regular general elections,'' he said inaugurating the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Elaborating on the government's plans, minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said the government is planning to introduce a Bill in connection with NRI voting rights in the next session of Parliament.
Voting rights have been a long-standing demand of NRIs, especially those living in the Gulf countries. But the matter has been pending with the government for quite some time. The Cabinet cleared amendments to the Representation of People's Act Bill to give NRIs an electoral voice as early as 2006. The step was taken after Mr Singh said at the 2006 ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas' that the government is actively considering voting rights for NRIs living in the Gulf
In the same year, the amendment Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha which referred it to a parliamentary standing committee on personnel, public grievances, law and justice. The report was subsequently given to the law ministry for examination. And for the past three years, the amendment Bill has been stuck with the law minister. However, Mr Ravi after the prime minister's announcement assured that the bill would be introduced in Parliament.
The Bill seeks to give voting rights to Indian citizens living abroad due to employment, education or other purposes.
Source : The Economics Times
Thanks and regards,
PMS Team
