NRI ELECTORATE

Why in the News?

Recently, the Supreme Court disposed of a batch of petitions seeking remote voting for NRIs.

Key Points

Size of the NRI Electorate

• India has the largest diaspora population, with nearly 1.35 crore non-resident Indians spread across the globe.
• Of the registered overseas electors, 90% belonged to Kerala.

Major reason for low NRI registration:

• Eligible NRIs have to visit the polling booth in person.

Voting Rights of NRIs:

• Voting rights for NRIs were introduced only in 2011, through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act 1950.
• NRIs should not be deprived of the franchise because they exercised their right to freely practice a profession or trade. 
• Many migrant laborers often find it beyond their limited means to fly in just to cast their vote

Government initiatives:

• Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS): It involves the NRI voter sending an application to the returning officer in person or online. 

• Proxy voting: It enables voters to appoint proxies to vote on their behalf.

• Both ETPBS and proxy voting are currently available to only service voters i.e. armed forces or diplomatic missions.