Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Rajyotsava Awardee Seeks One-Year NRI Voter Verification Window
Mohamad Meeran Saheb wants NRIs to have more time to check their names on voter lists.
He says some NRIs found that their names were deleted or placed under objection.
Some officials reportedly told them to come to India before September 20 with extra documents.
Meeran says this may be difficult because many people live abroad with their families.
Short-notice travel can also be expensive.
Some NRIs may only be able to travel during winter holidays or their yearly leave.
He wants them to begin the process online by sending forms and available documents.
They could then meet an election official during a visit to India within one year.
He says this would protect eligible voters while keeping the voter list accurate.
Mohamad Meeran Saheb urged Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer to give NRIs at least one year to complete electoral-roll verification.
He said young NRIs from Udupi and Uttara Kannada, including Karwar, reported deleted or objected-to voter-list entries.
Some Booth Level Officers reportedly advised NRIs to travel to India before September 20 with citizenship and other documents.
Meeran proposed online applications, document uploads, and personal verification during visits to India within one year.
He also suggested exploring verification through Indian Missions, Consulates, or other authorised mechanisms where legally permitted.
- Who
- Mohamad Meeran Saheb, a Karnataka Rajyotsava Award recipient and senior NRI community member, made the request.
- What
- He asked Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer for at least one year for NRIs to verify electoral-roll entries and submit documents.
- When
- The request concerns a reported September 20 deadline and proposes a one-year verification window, including travel during later holidays or annual leave.
- Where
- The request was made in Bengaluru and concerns NRIs living abroad, including in Dubai; affected people were reported from Udupi and Uttara Kannada.
- Why
- Meeran said short-notice travel, expense, family commitments, geopolitical conditions, and difficulty accessing old documents create hardships for NRIs.
Expanded NRI Access
Electoral-Roll Verification Requirements
Time allowed
Expanded NRI Access
Meeran argues that NRIs whose names were deleted, kept under objection, or require verification should receive at least one year to complete the process.
Electoral-Roll Verification Requirements
Some NRIs were reportedly told by Booth Level Officers to come to India before September 20 and provide additional documents and proofs.
Verification method
Expanded NRI Access
Meeran proposes online submissions and document uploads first, followed by personal appearance during a visit to India within one year or, where permitted, verification abroad.
Electoral-Roll Verification Requirements
The reported process involves submitting additional citizenship and other documents to the relevant authorities, while the articles do not state whether Meeran’s proposed alternatives have been approved.
Balancing access and accuracy
Expanded NRI Access
Meeran says eligible citizens should not permanently lose an opportunity to restore their names because they cannot travel within a few weeks.
Electoral-Roll Verification Requirements
Meeran also acknowledges that authorities need to maintain a genuine, accurate, and legally compliant electoral roll through identity, citizenship, and eligibility checks.
- Requester
- Mohamad Meeran Saheb
- Age and residence
- He is 81 and has lived in Dubai since 1974.
- Requested period
- At least one year for NRI verification and document submission.
- Reported deadline
- Some NRIs were reportedly advised to travel to India before September 20.
- Areas mentioned
- Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, including Karwar.
- Proposed process
- Online preliminary applications, document uploads, and later personal verification in India.
- Additional proposal
- Verification through Indian Missions, Consulates, or other authorised mechanisms where legally permissible.
