New bill for voting rights to NRIs introduced

New Delhi, Aug 21:

The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill 2010, which seeks to give voting rights to NRIs, was moved in the Rajya Sabha Saturday.

Law and Justice Minister M. Veerappa Moily moved the bill after withdrawing its earlier version, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2006. The older version of the bill was withdrawn on the recommendations of a parliamentary standing committee which examined the legislation.

"The new bill is more comprehensive and it will enable the NRIs to participate in the democratic process of the country," the law minister said introducing the bill.