The Hindu Business Line : Cabinet gives nod for voting rights for NRIs

A decision was taken to amend the Representation of the People Act 1950 to amplify the definition of "ordinarily resident" to include non-resident Indians away from India on employment, for education or for any other reason.

Following the Cabinet's nod, NRIs can enrol in the electoral rolls and vote during Parliamentary and Assembly elections.

The amendment will be brought through a Bill — the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2006, to be introduced in the current session of Parliament.

"The amendment Bill will entitle eligible citizens of India to cast their votes in Parliamentary and Assembly Elections when they are in their constituency and thus fully participate in the democratic process of nation building and upholding their pride and prestige as citizens of India. This will give the NRIs a sense of belonging," said an official press release.

Today's decision comes after the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, had made clear the Government's intention to give voting rights to NRIs in the Gulf during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in January this year. The Cabinet's decision has been keenly awaited by NRIs, especially the 2 million Indians living in the Gulf. The Kerala Government had also urged the Central Government to take the necessary steps.

During the latest Cabinet reshuffle on January 29, veteran Congressman Mr Vayalar Ravi was appointed the Cabinet Minister for NRI Affairs.