June 26th 2025 Editorial

1. Context and Problem Statement

  • Over 45 crore internal migrants in India (Census 2011).

  • Many migrants cannot vote due to being away from their registered constituencies.

  • Voting rights are tied to place of permanent residence, excluding migrant workers (especially short-term and circular migrants) from electoral participation.

2. Trends in Migration

  • Migration rate increased from 31% (2001) to 37% (2011).

  • High rates in rural-to-urban migration, especially among youth and informal workers.

  • Women’s migration largely due to marriage, while men migrate for employment and survival.

  • Seasonal migration seen in construction, agriculture, mining, etc.

3. Legal and Electoral Framework Challenges

  • Representation of People Act, 1950 ties voter registration to ordinary residence.

  • ECI’s system does not allow flexible or portable voter registration.

  • Hence, migrants are excluded de facto, even though eligible de jure.

4. Why Inclusion Is Important

  • Migrants are economically integral to cities but are politically invisible.

  • This creates urban exclusion and violates the principle of universal adult suffrage.

  • Also weakens accountability in destination constituencies where migrants reside.

5. Mechanisms Proposed / Piloted

A. Remote Voting Machines (RVMs)

  • Proposed by the Election Commission in 2020.

  • Allow migrants to vote from a remote polling station.

  • Still under trial; legal clarity needed.

B. Postal Ballots

  • Currently only for service voters (e.g., military, diplomats).

  • Could be expanded to include verified migrant workers.

C. Mobile Polling Stations

  • Flexible polling booths moving to migrant clusters.

  • Inspired by global best practices.

D. Proxy Voting

  • Currently allowed for the military; could be tested for migrants with safeguards.

6. International Best Practices

  • South Africa, Mexico, Philippines enable remote or mobile voting.

  • Participatory budgeting and inclusive political processes help integrate migrants.

7. Way Forward / Recommendations

  • Legal amendments to Representation of People Act.

  • Technological innovation in secure and verifiable remote voting.

  • ECI must:

    • Finalize RVM framework.

    • Conduct pilot programs.

    • Ensure awareness among migrants.

  • Electoral reforms must reflect India’s mobile workforce and urban transformation.

 UPSC GS2-style Questions (Polity & Governance)

🔹 10-Marker (150 words)

  1. Explain the challenges faced by internal migrants in exercising their voting rights in India.

 

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