Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: NRI organisations in Kerala have raised concerns with the Chief Electoral Officer over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, but the main grievance remains unresolved, putting the voting rights of thousands of Non-Resident Indians at risk.

The issue arises because children of NRI parents born abroad are currently ineligible to be included in the electoral roll, even though their parents are listed. Indian states require applicants to provide a place of birth, which effectively excludes those born outside the country.

It is estimated that around five lakh NRIs could be denied the right to vote due to this restriction.

Also read: Is your name missing from Kerala’s SIR voter list? Check today itself– NRIs take note

NRIs raised the issue in an online meeting convened by Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar. The CEO does not have the authority to decide on this matter. Therefore, it will be escalated to the Election Commission of India. NRIs were assured that other technical hurdles when applying via Form 6A will be addressed.

The commission has clarified that non-resident voters can complete verification without appearing in person, provided they submit the correct documents. Officials say this has resolved 50 per cent of non-resident complaints.

Previously, non-residents had to appear in person if relatives in India had completed the enumeration form on their behalf, and the details did not match the 2002 SIR list (no mapping). Thousands of non-residents are in the 19.32 lakh no-mapping category.

According to the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), more than 20 lakh Malayalis live abroad. Muslim League Secretary Muhammad Shah, who has consistently raised their concerns, highlighted this issue.

Although these voters are outside the country, 77,521 people have applied to register so far. The CEO has informed organisations that complaints from non-residents will be resolved if they contact the Loka Kerala Sabha via email.