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.