NRI voting
Facilitating Non Resident Indians (NRI) to vote online would be one of India’s most needed and welcome electoral reforms, because NRIs, who form a significant segment of the population, also deserve a say in the country’s government formation (“Online voting for NRIs under study, says Law Minister Kiren Rijiju”, March 26). Arranging polling stations at suitable locations abroad on polling day should not be a problem for the Election Commission of India (ECI) in collaboration with the Indian embassies.
Since online voting would involve different constituencies on the same platform, computerisation of electoral rolls becomes a pre-requisite.
In addition to biometric identification, the ECI could also issue a secret password to the NRI who votes to make identification foolproof. It is only a question of all political parties trusting the system. The technical feasibility to introduce this long-coveted reform exists.
If this becomes a success, we can also think of extending it to an ‘anywhere voting’ system in the country.
P. Mangalachandran,
West Ponniam, Kannur, Kerala
Women in the judiciary
It is sad that when every sector has a fair representation of women, the legal field lags far behind (Inside pages, “Women judges in SC have short tenures”, March, 27). The feasibility of establishing more number of law colleges for women and having all women courts needs to be explored. There is no dearth of talent and professional calibre among women advocates. The Government should enable 50% reservation in various positions for women in the judiciary. Special recruitment of judicial officers can be made from among women lawyers who meet the grade. When crimes against women and girls are on the rise (going by media reports), it is essential to dispense quick and quality justice. Importantly, awareness and motivation among women are required.
V. Johan Dhanakumar,
Chennai
