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Jammu, April 13, 2024: In a welcome move for Kashmiri migrants residing in Jammu and Udhampur districts, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has abolished the requirement to fill out ‘Form M’ for voting in elections. This eliminates a long-standing hurdle faced by this displaced community.
What was Form M?
Previously, Kashmiri migrants forced to leave the valley due to unrest had to fill out Form M every time they wanted to vote in Jammu and Kashmir elections. This form served as an intimation of their current address outside their original constituency. However, obtaining Form M involved bureaucratic hassles, including getting it attested by a gazetted officer.
Changes for Easier Voting
The ECI’s decision streamlines the voting process for Kashmiri migrants in Jammu and Udhampur. These migrants will now be automatically mapped to special polling stations set up within their zones of residence. This eliminates the need for any additional forms like Form M.
Easing the Process Elsewhere
While Form M is no longer required for migrants in Jammu and Udhampur, it remains necessary for those residing in other parts of the country, such as Delhi. However, the ECI has simplified the process for them as well. Now, migrants can self-attest the certificate attached to Form M, removing the earlier requirement of getting it attested by a gazetted officer.
This decision by the ECI is expected to encourage greater voter participation among Kashmiri migrants, who have long faced challenges in exercising their franchise.