ECI Simplifies Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrants in General Elections 2024

GG News Bureau
Jammu, 13th April. In a significant move aimed at facilitating the participation of Kashmiri migrants in the ongoing General Elections 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has eliminated the cumbersome procedure of filling Form-M for displaced individuals residing in Jammu and Udhampur. Additionally, for migrants living outside these areas, the requirement for gazetted officer attestation on Form-M has been replaced with self-attestation of the certificate.

The decision, approved during a meeting chaired by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, addresses the challenges faced by Kashmiri Migrants in exercising their voting rights due to bureaucratic hurdles associated with Form-M.

Various representations from Kashmiri Migrant groups highlighted the complexities and additional hurdles imposed by the Form-M process, compared to regular voters. The decision to simplify the process aligns with the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the inclusivity and accessibility of the electoral process.

For migrant voters in Jammu and Udhampur, the Commission has announced the establishment of 22 special polling stations, meticulously mapped to individual camps/zones, ensuring equitable access to voting facilities. The final Electoral Roll Extracts for each Special Polling Station will be notified after a seven-day period, ensuring comprehensive representation.

Moreover, migrants residing outside Jammu and Udhampur can now self-attest Form-M, eliminating the need for gazetted officer attestation. However, they must produce either EPIC (voter ID card) or alternate identification documents prescribed by the Commission at the Special Polling Stations to prevent impersonation.

The streamlined process aims to empower Kashmiri migrants to participate in the democratic process without undue bureaucratic burdens, ensuring their right to franchise is upheld effectively.

Background: Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants

The Commission had previously issued a scheme for Kashmiri migrants to vote in person at transitory camps or by postal ballot for three Parliamentary Constituencies in the UT of J&K. The scheme enables migrants to cast their votes in designated polling stations at Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur by filling Form-M. Alternatively, migrants can opt for postal ballots by applying in Form 12-C.

The ECI’s announcement comes ahead of the scheduled polling dates in Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting its commitment to ensuring fair and inclusive electoral practices.