ECI Simplifies Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrants

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ECI Simplifies Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrants

ECI Simplifies Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrants

New Delhi, April 12, 2024

In a significant move aimed at facilitating the voting rights of Kashmiri migrants, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has abolished the cumbersome procedure of filling out Form-M for those residing in Jammu and Udhampur. Additionally, for migrants residing outside these areas who will continue to submit Form-M, the ECI has authorized self-attestation of the certificate appended with the form, thereby removing the hassle of getting it attested by a gazetted officer.

Addressing Bureaucratic Hurdles

The Form-M procedure, which subjects these voters to additional bureaucratic hurdles compared to other voters, has been a longstanding concern. The process of filling out the form is often complex and cumbersome, requiring specific documentation, proof of migration status, and attestation by a gazetted officer, effectively hindering their ability to exercise their democratic right.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir also submitted comments to the Commission on April 9, 2024, after due consultation and in full agreement with the political parties.

Special Polling Stations and Mapping

For migrant voters residing in Jammu and Udhampur, the ECI has taken several measures to ensure a smooth voting process:

  1. All 22 special polling stations (21 in Jammu and 1 in Udhampur) will be mapped to camps/zones individually, ensuring that every zone has at least one dedicated polling station.
  2. In zones with multiple polling stations, zonal officers will earmark the intra-zonal jurisdiction for each station, considering distance and ease of approach for electors.
  3. If any zone lacks an existing special polling station, a new one will be proposed by the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) Migrant in a suitable government building, following all ECI directives and after consultation with political parties.
  4. Electors staying in these zones/camps will be mapped to their respective polling stations by the respective Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) Migrants at Jammu and Udhampur.

Measures to Prevent Duplicate Voting

To ensure that no elector who opts for a postal ballot by filling out Form 12C gets the opportunity to vote at the special polling stations, the ARO Migrant Jammu, who is the nodal officer for postal ballots under the scheme, will ensure that in cases where Form 12C is received and the postal ballot has been dispatched, a 'PB' marking will be made against the name of the said elector in the corresponding electoral roll extracts.

Self-Attestation for Migrants Outside Jammu and Udhampur

For migrants staying outside Jammu and Udhampur, the ECI has allowed self-attestation of the certificate appended with Form M, eliminating the need to seek attestation from a gazetted officer. However, to prevent impersonation at the special polling stations, these electors will be required to produce either an Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or any of the alternative documents prescribed by the Commission for the identification of electors at polling stations.

Background and Schedule

The ECI had previously issued a scheme on March 22, 2024, for Kashmiri migrants to vote in person at transitory camps or through postal ballots for the three Parliamentary Constituencies of Baramulla, Srinagar, and Anantnag-Rajouri in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in connection with the ongoing General Election to the Lok Sabha, 2024.

The polling schedule for Jammu and Kashmir is as follows:

    Election Schedule for Lok Sabha Election 2024 in Jammu & Kashmir

    Election Schedule for Lok Sabha Election 2024 in Jammu & Kashmir

    Phase No. and Name of PC Date of Poll
    Phase 1A 4 - Udhampur 19.04.2024
    Phase 2B 5 - Jammu 26.04.2024
    Phase 3 3 - Anantnag-Rajouri 07.05.2024
    Phase 4 2 - Srinagar 13.05.2024
    Phase 5 1 - Baramulla 20.05.2024

The ECI's decision to simplify the voting process for Kashmiri migrants, coupled with the comprehensive measures outlined, aims to address long-standing concerns and ensure greater accessibility and inclusivity in the democratic process.

As the nation gears up for this crucial electoral exercise, the Commission's efforts are expected to inspire confidence among all stakeholders and reinforce India's commitment to upholding the principles of free, fair, and participatory elections.

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