(a) whether the Government has reduced the age limit for senior citizens who can opt for postal ballot in Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, following the COVID-19 pandemic situation; and
(b) if so, the details and its implementation status thereof as on date and views of States taken into consideration so far?
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) and (b): Yes Sir. The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 was amended to reduce the age limit for protection of vulnerable persons above 65 years of age and the same was notified on 19th June, 2020 in pursuance of section 169 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, which does not enjoin consultation with the State Governments.
Subsequently, the Election Commission has announced that it has decided not to issue Notification under section 60 (c) of the said Act to extend the facility of postal ballot to electors above 65 years of age in General Assembly Elections in Bihar and bye elections due in the near future in view of constraints of logistics, manpower and safety protocols of Covid-19.
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