For NRIs, clearer communication from election authorities will be crucial to avoid wrongful deletions or legal complications, ensuring that the integrity of the electoral roll is maintained while safeguarding the voting rights of eligible citizens abroad
Hyderabad is witnessing growing concern among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) as Telangana prepares for Phase-III of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Many overseas residents with voter registrations in the state are uncertain about the status of their names and the correct procedure to comply with the ongoing enumeration exercise.
The confusion largely stems from differing interpretations of eligibility and documentation requirements. Several NRIs from Hyderabad had registered as voters before moving abroad for employment or higher education. While they continue to hold Indian citizenship, they no longer qualify as “ordinary residents” of India—an essential condition for inclusion in the standard electoral roll.
- Under existing rules, Indian citizens residing abroad must enroll as overseas voters by submitting Form 6A
- This allows them to be registered in the Assembly constituency corresponding to the address mentioned in their passport
- However, uncertainty arose after the enumeration form used during the SIR process mentioned that it could be signed either by the elector or by an adult family member, with the relationship specified
This wording led many NRIs to believe that relatives in India could complete the process on their behalf. The situation became more complex following a recent incident in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district, where a case was registered after a woman allegedly filled enumeration forms for her sons who have been living in the Middle East for several years. Subsequently, the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh clarified that enumeration forms for NRIs cannot be submitted by family members, reinforcing the need for personal compliance with overseas voter rules.
As Telangana gears up for its turn in the SIR process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has emphasized accuracy and transparency. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar recently stated that Telangana is expected to set an example for the rest of the country in conducting a robust and error-free revision of electoral rolls. Addressing booth-level officers, he pointed out that similar exercises, including the large-scale revision conducted in Bihar, were completed smoothly.
State Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudarshan Reddy highlighted key electoral statistics of Telangana, including voter strength and constituency details, underscoring the scale of the exercise. Senior election officials and district authorities were also present, signaling the administration’s focus on meticulous implementation.
