An addition to the ongoing exchange of thoughts, just a view points in different perspective:- Right to vote is a fundamental right. I see no satisfactory reason why this right should be taken away ' A GROUP OF PEOPLE', who are Indians but not residing in India due to ' UNAVOIDABLE CIRCUMSTANCES ' ie. often unemployment in India. I am referring specifically about a group of people, who due to lack of job opportunities back in India are forced to look for jobs specially in gulf (middle-east ) or on ships. Am not making a case against other NRI or PIOs. But simply trying to view things from a different small perspective of a few helpless NRI's in Gulf. One significant characteristice of these people is that they are not or often cannot be permanent residents in Gulf and often have only Indian passport. (am referring only to this group). If one resign, or gets an unexpected/ unexplainable/unjustifiable sack etc.. where do most of them go back to their roots i.e India. Of course few (who could save money either by hardwork or by being a crook) dont come back to India, they prefer to migrate to some other countries. This group seems to make so much sacrifices (like missing their dear and loved ones in India. of course others too do but somehow here I may be subjective but it seems lonely life here without family, often envy freedom of others, comparatively in India/maybe elsewhere freedom is on much higher plane in spite of all its implications. Here one feels restriction of freedom not only of movement, speech, but at times even of thought. Back in India, we can boast of breathing freely in our own right. Most of the member of this group cut living cost and remit their monthly income back to India to support their families thereby contribute to spending powers of people there, so strong economy keeps rolling. There are a few direct benefits to Indian residents . 1. By moving out of India this group make space for others to apply for limited/available job and 2. By sending money regularly to India, this group contribute to the economy. 3. Most Resources are used by residents, so there is less constraints on available resources. There are a few disadvantages to this group by moving out 1. They lose voting right ? 2. Customs harassment upon arrival. 3. often encroachment upon their properties by unwanted elements. 4. lack of higher educational opportunities by means of restrictions of seats to their Children. (of course, some gulfees get seats in pvt. Institutes by 'donating' a few lakhs). Of course some of the residents may feel that they have a disadvantage vis-à- vis a gulfee, like purchasing power. (I think at present the most average gulfee are as good as many middle class working in India . it's a false impression that gulfee are financially well to do. Considering the above do you not feel that this group (first generation) should continue their right to vote, should be given the right to vote ? or do anyone feels that right to vote should be taken away from this group ? however, small or big this group may be. I think Right To Vote is Fundamental to social, economic, religious, cultural and political life. And it must be restored to this group as they are like many not aliens in any form. One must not forget representation was but for balancing interests and grievances of belongers. Politics decides who get what and how much.
Regards, Raul Carneiro _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)
