EC Updates Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants; Form ‘M’ No Longer Required for LS Polls

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Asif Iqbal | April 11, 2024 | 11:12 PM IST | India, Jammu Kashmir, Politics | Follow on Google News

EC Updates Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants; Form ‘M’ No Longer Required for LS Polls

EC Updates Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants; Form ‘M’ No Longer Required for LS Polls

The Election Commission of India has made significant changes to the voting process for Kashmiri migrants, aiming to enhance inclusivity and convenience.

EC Updates Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants:Streamlining Procedures for Kashmiri Migrants

Previously, Kashmiri migrant electors in Jammu and Udhampur had to fill out Form M for voting. However, under the new arrangement, they will now be mapped directly to the Special Polling Stations in their respective zones, eliminating the need for Form M. This adjustment simplifies the voting process, making it more accessible for migrants.

EC Updates Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants:Simplified Form Filing for Migrants Outside Jammu and Udhampur

For Kashmiri migrants residing outside Jammu and Udhampur, such as in Delhi and other parts of the country, filing Form M has been made easier. Instead of certification by gazetted officers, they can now self-attest the form. However, the requirement to fill out Form M remains unchanged. This modification aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

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The amendment also entails mapping all 22 special polling stations to the individual zones, ensuring each zone has at least one Special Polling Station. Zonal officers will allocate intra-zonal jurisdiction for each polling station, considering factors such as distance and accessibility for electors. This meticulous planning aims to streamline the voting experience and maximize voter turnout.

Electors residing in these zones will be mapped to their respective polling stations by the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (Migrants) in Jammu and Udhampur. These officers will extract Electoral roll extracts corresponding to each Special Polling Station from the basic electoral rolls of their assembly constituencies, ensuring accurate voter lists.

After resolving objections and claims, the Assistant Returning Officers (Migrant) will notify the final Electoral Roll Extracts for each Special Polling Station. These extracts will be used during polling to facilitate a smooth voting process.

To prevent double voting, measures have been put in place to ensure electors who have opted for postal ballots do not vote at Special Polling Stations. The nodal officer for Postal Ballot, ARO (Migrants) Jammu, will mark “PB” against the names of electors who have been dispatched postal ballots, thereby maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.