Theme: Government & Elections

Updating Driving License

Sometimes, you may need to update certain details on your Driving License (DL), after which you will be given a new DL, and your old DL will be taken away. Please note that you do not have to take a driving test to update your DL. To update your Driving License, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 – You can update details like your name, address, etc., so you must understand the procedure for updating any specific detail in your state. The procedures and the documents required vary across states.

Step 2 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state, and ask for the relevant application form. For example, in Gujarat,(( Department of Port and Transport, Government of Gujarat, http://rtogujarat.gov.in/process_licence.php#link4)) if you want to update your DL, you must make an application in Form L.L.D. with the details of the original DL and you must submit an application made on plain paper.

Step 3 – You should submit the relevant documents. For example, in Gujarat, you must submit  a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original licensing authority.

Step 4 – You should then pay the required fee for updating for DL. For example, in Gujarat, the fee is Rs. 200. This fee varies across states.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here. Read this government resource to know more

What is a Voting Machine?

An Electronic Voting Machine(( Section 61A, The Representation of People Act, 1951; Electronic Voting Machines, Election Commission available at https://eci.gov.in/evm/)) consists of two Units – a Control Unit and a Balloting Unit – joined by a five-meter cable. The Control Unit is kept with the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer and the Balloting Unit is placed inside the voting compartment, where you vote. The Presiding Officer or the Polling Officer releases the ballot for you so that you can cast your vote.

A list of candidates’ names and symbols will be available with a blue button next to it. You have to press the button next to the name of the candidate’s name that you wish to vote for. If you do not wish to vote for any particular candidate, then you have the option to select the NOTA – None of the Above option in the EVM Machine.

Right after you have voted, you will see a green light on the VVPAT Machine will be placed next to the EVM Machine, which will indicate that you have voted. You will also see a printed slip which is printed containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate which you can see through a transparent window for 7 seconds. This printed slip automatically gets cut and falls in the sealed drop box of the VVPAT.

You cannot vote more than once and even if you make a mistake, you cannot undo it. Even if your name comes twice in the electoral roll or your name comes in two different constituencies electoral rolls, you can only vote once. If you vote twice, then both your votes are not counted.

There is nothing you have to do after all this is over. Once you exit the polling station, you have completed the voting process.

Advertisement on Radio

Radios are also a medium for advertising by political parties and candidates and the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee(MCMC) in every district and state monitors all radio activity. They monitor the radio jingles of all political parties being transmitted on the FM channels so as to take appropriate steps to ascertain whether they are violating the Model Code of Conduct. The content of the radio jingles should not(( Reconstitution of Media Certification & Monitoring Committee , Election Commission, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9356-reconstitution-of-media-certification-monitoring-committee-%E2%80%93-regarding/)):

  • Criticize the private lives of politicians.
  • Attack religious communities.
  • Consist of obscene and defamatory material.
  • Incite violence.
  • Affect India’s integrity, unity and sovereignty.

A register is maintained to keep track of the FM channels being heard where the name and number of channels are specifically entered. Two officers are assigned to listen to each FM channel for 30 minute slots. For example, if a political party is playing jingles mocking another candidate, the MCMC will order it to be taken down.

Applying for new Driving License

You can apply for a new Driving License (DL) in any state where:

  • You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
  • Where your driving school from where you have taken your training(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) is located

You must apply for a DL after 30 days(( Rule 15(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))and within 180 days(( Section 14(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))(6 months) of the issuance of the Learner’s License. Please note that you need either a learner’s license or a Driving Certificate from a driving school that has been accredited by a body notified by the Central Government .

Procedure for Applying In-Person (( IndiaGov Archive, Obtain Driving License, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/howdoi.php?service=6))

Step 1 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state

Step 2 – You should fill and submit the application form

Step 3 – You should submit the following.

  • A valid learner’s licence issued by a the RTO, if any (original and a self-attested copy)
  • 3 recent Passport size photographs(( Rule 14(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of identification (original and a self-attested copy)
  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – You should take the driving test, on the scheduled date, as conducted by the RTO/RTA,(( Rule 15(2), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989)) which will certify your ability to safely drive and handle a motor vehicle.(( Section 9(3), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) However, you don’t have to take a driving test if you already hold a driving license, and the time between the expiry of that license and your application for a new license does not exceed 5 years.(( Section 9(3) (a)(i), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))

Step 5 – After passing the test, you should submit your passport sized photographs, or get a photograph clicked, and submit your finger impressions.

Step 6 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 7 – You can then collect your DL. Sometimes, the RTO/RTA may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO/RTA for the details on this step.

Online Procedure(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov10/newDLDet.do))

Step 1 –  You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Driving License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill in the application form.

Step 3 –  You should upload the documents, which are the same as the ones mentioned above, and the fee,  and submit the application.

Step 4 – You should take a print-out of the filled application, along with the reference number, and submit it at the relevant RTO/RTA.

Step 5 –  You should take the driving test on the scheduled date,  as conducted by the RTO/RTA. The details of the test are given above.

Step 6 – After passing the test, you should submit your photographs and finger impressions.

Step 7 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 8 – You can then collect your DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this Delhi government resource to know more on driving licenses.

How do you remove a voter from Electoral List?

It is possible to remove a voter from the electoral list. The Electoral Registration Officer issues a notice with the draft of the names of the voters, so that you can object to any of the names. This list is also sent to all the political parties and will be displayed on the website of the Chief Electoral Officer, notice board of Electoral Registration Officer and polling stations.

Filing an Objection

If you want to inform the Electoral Registration Officer or the Booth Level Officer that a voter you know is not eligible to be on the electoral list of that constituency for any reason, such as change of address or death of voter etc, you will have to file an objection by filling Form 7. By filling this form, you are: Preventing any person’s name from being included in the electoral roll or Requesting to delete someone’s name from the electoral roll. For example, if someone you know has died or has registered twice as a voter in two different places, then you can fill in these details in Form 7.(( Form 7, Election Commission of India, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/4830-form-7-application-for-objecting-inclusion-of-name-in-electoral-roll-or-seeking-deletion-of-name-from-electoral-roll/.)) You can get a hardcopy of the form 7 by visiting the Electoral Registration Officer of your constituency or download it or you fill it online.

Time Limit

You will have 30 days from the date of publication of the notice to file your objection by filling Form 7. The objection can be made by you alone or on behalf of your family members. Multiple objections on behalf of other people cannot be filed by you. (( Rule 12, Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961))

Submitting the Form

When you submit the form to the Electoral Registration Officer either in person, by post or online, the officer will give you an acknowledgement for it only if: The Form is signed or there is a thumb impression The Form includes the name of the person filing the objection None of the information required in the Form is should be left blank and things like “not known” are not should not be written in the form. Decision of the Electoral Registration Officer The Electoral Registration Officer will look at the applications and if he thinks that the objection made by you is valid, then he will allow it. But if he requires more information, then he will hold an enquiry before making a decision. He may ask you to appear in person or give any evidence to prove the details of the objection made by you.

Print Media and MCC

Newspapers

All print media including newspapers have to follow the rules under the MCC. The Press has a duty to(( Press Council of India Guidelines for Election Reporting, https://mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/19163_Guidelines_on_Election_Reporting_1996_22-03-2009.pdf)):

Be Objective Give only objective reports about elections and the candidates. Not any exaggerated reports. For example: The press cannot publish any fake news about a candidate’s election campaign.

Not Spread Hatred Refrain from reporting on election campaigning which tends to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people, on the grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language. For example: When a leader belonging to one party says that we will teach the Muslims a lesson if we come to power.

Not Spread False Information Refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate.

Verify Facts Refrain from publishing any unverified allegations against any candidate or political party.

Not Take Money for Stories

  • Refrain from accepting any kind of money or gifts to write about a candidate or political party.
  • Not publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding the achievements of the ruling party.

For example, if certain advertisements of offending nature are published in a newspaper regarding a political party, then it is violative of the MCC and the printer and publisher may be punished for it.

Posters and Pamphlets

The MCC only applies to those printed pamphlets, hand-bill or other documents distributed to promote or demote any candidate or political party.(( Chapter 15, Manual for Model Code of Conduct, Election Commission, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9375-manual-on-model-code-of-conduct))

For example, if a political party publishes a poster with a morphed picture of a candidate, then it is violative of the MCC and the printer and publisher may be punished for it.

Announcement of Dates

It does not include any hand-bill, placard or poster announcing the date, time, place and other particulars of an election meeting or routine instructions to election agents or workers.

For example, if a political party publishes a poster with a morphed picture of a candidate, then it is violative of the MCC and the printer and publisher may be punished for it.

Publishing the name of the printer and publisher

Any advertisements made in newspapers, posters and pamphlets have to bear the name of the printer and the publisher. If any content in the advertisement violates the MCC, then the printer or publisher responsible may face jail time for six months and/or be punished with a fine up to Rs. 2,000.(( Section 127A, Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.))

All the printers of newspapers, posters and pamphlets and other print media have to do the following before printing:

  • Obtain a copy of a declaration as to the identity of the publisher with the publisher’s signature and two witnesses attesting the declaration.
  • One copy of the declaration and the document have to be printed and sent to the Chief Electoral Officer of the State (if it is printed in any capital of a State) or to the District Magistrate of the district where it is printed.

Electronic Versions of Newspapers, Posters and Pamphlets

If the newspaper, posters or pamphlets are in electronic form then the law requires the publisher to pre-certify the advertisement by sending it to a Media Certification and Monitoring Committee(( Reconstitution of Media Certification & Monitoring Committee , Election Commission, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9356-reconstitution-of-media-certification-monitoring-committee-%E2%80%93-regarding/)) set up in district and state levels, who will certify that the document is not violating any laws or the MCC.

Renewal of Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is valid for a limited time period, based on which you have to renew it. Given below are the time limits for validity of a Driving License (DL), with respect to its issue or renewal:

  • If you have not turned 30 years old, it will be effective till you turn 40 years old
  • If you are between the ages of 30 and 50, it will be effective for 10 more years
  • If you are between the ages of 50 and 55 , it will be effective for until you turn 60 years old
  • If you are 55 years old or above, it will be effective for 5 more years

However, this varies across states. For example, in Delhi, a DL is valid for 20 years, or until you attain 50 years of age, whichever is earlier.(( Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Frequently Asked Questions, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/frequently-asked-questions))

You must renew your DL 1 month(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal)) before this period has passed, if you wish to keep driving. You may do so in any state, through any appropriate authority.(( Section 15, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))  In some states like Delhi, you must do so within 1 year of the expiry of your DL, otherwise you will have to take a driving test.(( Section 15(4), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))  If the application is late for more than five years after the date of expiry of the licence, the applicant should undergo all the formalities to obtain a fresh licence.(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal))

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

  • You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
  • Where your driving school from where you have taken your training(( Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988)) is located

Follow the steps given below to renew your DL:

Step 1 – You should visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state and fill in and submit the application form

Step 2 – You should submit the following(( Rule 18(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))

  • 3 recent Passport size photographs.
  • Driving License (original and a self-attested copy)
  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.  Alternatively, you must submit a medical certificate, which you can download here, if you are over 40 years of age.(( Section 15(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988))
  • The prescribed fee. This varies across states.
  • Any additional documents that might be required, according to the state you live in.

Step 3 – You can then collect your renewed DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

How can an NRI vote?

If you are an NRI you still have a right to vote in India. You are eligible to vote in the constituency area of the address given in your passport. (( Overseas Electors, Election Commission of India, available at https://eci.gov.in/faqs/voter-electors/overseas-electors/faqs-overseas-electors-r12/.))

You can fill out the application Form 6A online. You can even fill this form in person by either obtaining a copy from the Electoral Registration Office or downloading it from the Election Commission Website. This Form will be free of cost.

You will have to fill the form with the following documents:

  • One recent passport size coloured photograph.
  • Self Attested copies of the relevant pages of the passport containing photograph and address in India.
  • Copy of the page of the passport containing the valid visa endorsement.

Submitting the Form

When you submit the form in person, you will have to take your passport and original documents with you to the Electoral Registration Officer so that he can verify details. If you are sending the Form by post, then make sure that all the documents are self-attested and attached with the Form.

Verification

A Booth Level Officer will visit the home address mentioned in your passport to verify all the details given and if there is no relative available to verify your place of residence and other details, then the officer will send the documents to the Indian Mission.

Billboards and Hoardings during Campaigning

The content of posters, billboards and hoardings can display general information like family planning, social welfare schemes, etc. but they cannot display the achievements of political parties, photos of politicians and party symbols during campaigning.(( Chapter 6, Manual on Model Code of Conduct, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9375-manual-on-model-code-of-conduct/))

No political party or candidate can use your land, building or compound wall without your permission to erect billboards, hoardings, flag-staff, notices etc, otherwise it would amount to defacement of your property.

If this happens to you, please complain to your nearest District Electoral Office.

For example, if the ruling party puts up a hoarding on the highway with pictures of the members of their political party, then this violates the Model Code of Conduct.

New Learner’s License

You need to get a Learner’s License before you can apply for a Driving License. Given below is the online and in-person procedure for obtaining a Learner’s License:

Procedure for Applying In-Person

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should go to the RTO/RTA Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state.

Step 2 – You should fill in and submit the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the required documents.

  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)(( Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • 3 recent Passport-sized photographs(( Rule 10, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989))
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – Thereafter, you should take and pass a preliminary learner’s test,(( Rule 11, Central Motor Vehicles Rules)) which will test how well acquainted you are with traffic procedures, familiarity with the vehicle, etc. (( Rule 11(2)(d), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989)) For example, in Delhi, this is the syllabus of the test.

Step 5 – You must undergo a medical examination, where colour-blindness and movement of limbs will be examined.

Step 6 – If you pass your tests, you can collect your Learner’s License once it is ready. Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

Step 7 – You can also check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Online Procedure

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Learner’s License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill out the application form.

Step 3 –You should upload the relevant documents, given above.

Step 4 – You should submit the application.

Step 5 – You should take a print-out of the application along with the reference number and submit it at the relevant RTO.(( Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov2/sarathiHomePublic.do))

Step 6 – You should take and pass the learner’s test. The details are given above in Step 4 of the offline procedure.

Step 7 – You should undergo a medical examination. The details are given above in Step 5 of the offline procedure.

Step 8 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 9 –  You can collect your Learner’s License.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.