Delhi SIR: Generational Proof Rule Leaves Long-Time Nepali Residents In Limbo; Residents Say BLOs Also Clueless

Jagran Correspondent, Delhi: Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Delhi, the foreign nationals, especially those from Nepal, are facing several challenges. A large number of Nepali citizens have been living in the national capital for the past few decades. Earlier, their names were added to the voter list using an Aadhar card or other documents; however, they were not able to fill in the generational details during the revision process, leading to concerns of deletion.

What Are Legal Challenges? 

The revision process has created panic among the Nepalis, as their parents were not native Indian citizens, and their names are not mentioned in the SIR of 2002. A large section of such a population came for education or business purposes and stayed in Delhi for a long time. They also became part of the electoral process; however, the ongoing SIR has created a new challenge for them.

While the process has left the Nepalis clueless, even the BLOs assigned for the SIR are unaware of the process to deal with this situation. As per the affected population, they do not receive any clear instructions when they approach the BLOs with their issues.

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Generational Rules Emerge As Challenge 

While describing the situation, Kamala Devi, a resident of Laxmi Nagar, stated that her daughter-in-law was not able to fill out the SIR form as she lived with her parents in Kathmandu before the marriage. She has been living in Delhi post marriage and is also a part of the electoral process. As per the SIR form rules, applicants must include one of their parents as a voter in the 2002 or earlier records.

What EC Has To Say?

The senior officials of the Election Commission, while addressing the issue, stated that the affected people can make a formal application for a citizenship certificate to the Union Home Ministry. They can later make a valid claim of being a citizen of India after obtaining the certificate.

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