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) don’t 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

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