India

The EC is discussing with the MEA a proposal to allow overseas Indian voters to use e-postal ballots: Govt

The Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday that an Election Commission proposal to permit the electronically-transmitted postal ballot method for overseas Indian voters is being discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “iron out” practical problems involved in its implementation.

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju stated in a letter response that the overall number of abroad electors as of January 1 this year is more than 1.15 lakh.

“The Election Commission of India has taken up a proposal to alter the Conduct of Elections Regulations, 1961 to permit electronically-transmitted postal ballot method for abroad electors. “The topic is being discussed with the Ministry of External Affairs to iron out the logistical challenges associated with the proposal’s execution,” Rijiju added.

According to the EC website, the overseas voter is not currently provided with a photo identity card, but they can vote in person at a polling place by presenting their original passport.

The EC has stated that it is difficult for overseas voters to travel to India to vote.

The minister recalled that, on the suggestion of the poll panel, the Lok Sabha enacted the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2018, in August 2018, allowing abroad electors to vote in person or by proxy.

The Bill was waiting in Rajya Sabha for discussion when the 16th Lok Parliament was dissolved.

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Nisha

Hi, my name is Nisha and I'm an educational journalist based in India. I've always been passionate about the power of education to transform lives, and that's what led me to pursue a career in journalism focused on this area. I completed my Bachelor's degree in English from Hindu College in Delhi in 2013 and then went on to earn my Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in 2017. During my studies, I also completed several short-term courses on Education in India, Sociology, and other related subjects to deepen my knowledge in this field. I'm particularly interested in improving access to quality education in rural areas, where students often face significant challenges. I've worked on a number of initiatives to address this issue, including advocating for better policies, resources, and practices that can make a difference. As an educational journalist, I'm passionate about using my platform to highlight important issues in the education space. I've covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of technology in the classroom, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and the challenges facing students from marginalized communities. One of the things I love most about my work is the opportunity to constantly learn and grow. I'm an avid reader and believe that reading is key to expanding one's knowledge and perspective. I'm always seeking out new ideas and insights to help me better understand the world around me. In summary, as an educational journalist, I'm dedicated to using my skills and expertise to make a positive impact in the field of education. I'm committed to improving access to quality education for all students and to using my platform to raise awareness about important issues in this area.

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