Chandigarh: Expressing apprehension that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) might “inadvertently silence the voice of lakhs of genuine Non-Resident Indians from Punjab”, the Aam Aadmi Party MP from Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, has written to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), proposing “NRI-friendly mechanisms” to prevent “wrongful deletion” of names.In the letter to the CEC on Friday (May 15), Kang proposed “provision for online/digital verification for overseas voters holding valid electoral photo identity cards; extended and flexible timelines for document submission, keeping in mind international time zones and work constraints; facility for verification and attestation through Indian embassies and consulates worldwide; dedicated NRI grievance redressal cells with fast-track resolution; and explicit safeguards to protect genuine long-standing voters from deletion due to temporary absence”.Kang noted, “Punjab’s diaspora is not merely a community living abroad, it is an extension of our cultural soul and economic lifeline. Spread across Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Italy and the Gulf nations, our overseas Punjabis continue to nurture unbreakable bonds with their homeland. They own ancestral lands, support families, invest in local businesses and send remittances that have powered Punjab’s progress for decades. Their contributions to India’s foreign exchange reserves, skill transfer and global image are immense and undeniable.”He stated, “Yet, today, anxiety is sweeping through this vibrant community. Many hold valid voter registrations in Punjab for years, even decades. However, the practical realities of life abroad, demanding jobs, business commitments and vast distances make physical presence for verification extremely challenging. There is a genuine fear that strict timelines and procedural requirements could lead to the wrongful deletion of their names, effectively disenfranchising loyal Indian citizens who have never abandoned their democratic rights or emotional ties to Punjab.“The AAP MP stated, “India’s democracy draws its true strength from inclusiveness, not exclusion. We cannot allow bureaucratic hurdles to rob hard-working Punjabis of their sacred right to vote simply because they are earning their livelihood beyond our shores while their hearts remain firmly rooted here.”“The Punjabi diaspora has always stood as a pillar of strength for Punjab and India. Let us now stand with them by ensuring their democratic rights remain fully protected,” he added. MSID:: 131154278 413 |
