NewKerala.com

Naveen Jindal's Urgent Call: Why India Needs E-Voting for NRIs and Citizens

Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal has made a compelling case for modernizing India's voting system. He argues that with India's digital prowess, it's time to implement secure absentee or e-voting. This reform would empower millions of Non-Resident Indians and citizens who face physical barriers to voting. Ultimately, he believes using technology is key to strengthening democracy and increasing voter participation.

Key Points: Naveen Jindal Urges Secure Absentee and E-Voting for NRIs

  • Naveen Jindal calls for 'Ease of Voting' to be a national priority like Ease of Living
  • Over 1.5 crore NRIs hold citizenship but many cannot vote in elections
  • He cites countries like Estonia and France as successful models for remote voting
  • A secure system could aid senior citizens and migrant workers unable to reach booths
2 min read

Naveen Jindal urges Parliament to introduce secure Absentee, E-Voting for NRIs, citizens who are unable to reach polling booths

Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal calls for secure digital voting to empower NRIs, senior citizens, and migrant workers, aiming to boost India's voter turnout.

"A vote is not just a mark of ink but a citizen's identity and strength. - Naveen Jindal"

New Delhi, December 10

Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal on Wednesday called for urgent reforms that can make the voting process more accessible for millions of Indians who are unable to cast their vote on polling day.

Speaking on Election Reforms in Lok Sabha, Naveen Jindal said that India frequently discusses Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business, and it is now time to make Ease of Voting a national priority.

He noted that more than 1.5 crore Non-Resident Indians hold Indian citizenship but many of them cannot return to the country during elections, according to a release.

As a result, a large number of people who contribute to the Indian economy and society through their work abroad are unable to take part in the democratic process.

The MP said that India is already a global leader in digital payments and secure online systems.

He added that if countries like Estonia, France, Switzerland and Mexico can successfully implement remote and electronic voting for their citizens, then India should also create a safe digital mechanism that allows eligible voters to participate from wherever they are.

He suggested that a secure Absentee or E-Voting system can help senior citizens, divyang citizens, migrant workers and others who face difficulties in reaching the polling booth.

Jindal said that India's voter turnout often remains around 64 to 65 percent and that the introduction of secure digital voting can significantly increase participation.

He urged the Central government and the Election Commission to study global best practices and develop a robust system that allows NRIs and other voters to cast their vote at least one week before polling day.

Jindal concluded his speech by saying that every Indian, whether living in the country or abroad, should have the opportunity to take part in choosing the government.

He said that a vote is not just a mark of ink but a citizen's identity and strength, and that technology should be used to make this right accessible to all.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the intent is good, I have serious concerns about security and potential for misuse. We've seen cyber attacks on our digital infrastructure before. How can we guarantee one person, one vote? The Election Commission must proceed with extreme caution.
A
Aman W
Not just NRIs, but this will be a boon for migrant workers within India! My uncle works in Surat but is registered in his village in UP. Every election, he loses a day's wage and spends on travel just to vote. E-voting can change lives.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived abroad, I appreciate this move. Many of my Indian friends are deeply connected to their homeland and follow politics closely. They send remittances and contribute to India's growth. Denying them a vote is denying a stakeholder their say.
K
Karthik V
If we can do secure digital payments for billions of rupees, we can definitely figure out secure digital voting. The tech is there. It's about political will and building a robust, transparent system. Jindal ji is right, it's time.
N
Neha E
My parents are senior citizens and going to the polling booth in the heat is a struggle. An absentee ballot or secure online option would be such a relief for them and so many others. Hope this gets implemented soon!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50