Gujarat
Governor O.P. Kohli has already cleared the controversial legislation
making it mandatory for people to vote in the local body polls or face a
penalty. Now the state government is keen on implementing it during the
elections to 315 local self-governments, and is likely to frame rules
for it shortly.
A Gujarat Government notice goes on to say that Gujarat will become the first
state in the country to introduce compulsory voting before the polls
scheduled in October 2015
The
Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2009, that was twice
passed by the state government when Narendra Modi was the chief minister
but turned down by former governor Kamla Beniwal, was approved by
incumbent Kohli in November 2014 making it a law.
It also has a provision for 50 per cent reservation for women in the local bodies
Kamla Beniwal did
not clear the bill during her tenure, conveying to the government that
forcing voters to compulsorily vote violated Article 21 of the
Constitution of India. But, following the change of guard, Kohli has
given his nod.
After
the legislation was not implemented, the government appointed a
committee headed by former State Election Commissioner K.C. Kapoor in
February.
It
has now invited suggestions from the public as to what could be the
penalty for violating the law of compulsory voting. The committee
invited suggestions on April 9 and has given only 10 days to respond
till April 18, saying this is required urgently
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