Chandigarh: Expressing apprehension that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) might inadvertently silence the voice of lakhs of genuine Non-Resident Indians from Punjab, 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.
Proposed Reforms for NRI Voters
In the letter to the CEC on Friday, Kang proposed several measures. These include a provision for online or digital verification for overseas voters holding valid electoral photo identity cards, extended and flexible timelines for document submission that consider 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.
Significance of the Punjabi Diaspora
Kang noted that Punjab's diaspora is not merely a community living abroad but an extension of the cultural soul and economic lifeline of the state. Spread across Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Italy, and Gulf nations, 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.
Anxiety Within the Community
Kang stated that 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, including 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.
Call for Inclusiveness
The AAP MP stated that India's democracy draws its true strength from inclusiveness, not exclusion. He emphasized that bureaucratic hurdles should not rob hardworking Punjabis of their sacred right to vote simply because they are earning their livelihood beyond the shores while their hearts remain firmly rooted in Punjab. He added that the Punjabi diaspora has always stood as a pillar of strength for Punjab and India, and it is time to stand with them by ensuring their democratic rights remain fully protected.
