Overview of Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has disclosed that as of now, it has received a total of 140,931 applications from voters in Bihar concerning the inclusion or deletion of names in the draft electoral rolls. This information comes with just a week remaining for the claims and objections window, which is set to close on September 1.

Political Engagement in the Revision Process

Notably, only the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation has taken an active role in this process, lodging 10 objections related to the draft electoral rolls. Despite the importance of this revision exercise, other political parties have shown minimal engagement, despite multiple appeals from the ECI.

Details on Applications and Dispositions

Out of the applications submitted by individual voters, 14,374 have already been processed and disposed of by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). The claims and objections period commenced on August 1, allowing individuals and political parties a month-long opportunity to address any discrepancies.

New Elector Applications

Since the launch of the SIR, an impressive 379,692 new electors who turned 18 years old have applied for inclusion in the electoral rolls. This highlights a significant engagement from the youth in the democratic process, as they take their first steps toward voting.

Role of Political Representatives

Political parties have appointed a total of over 67,000 booth-level agents (BLAs) to assist in this process. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has deployed 47,506 BLAs, while the Indian National Congress has sent 17,549, and various left-leaning parties have assigned more than 2,000 representatives.

Claims and Objections Procedure

It is essential to note that claims and objections can only be resolved after a mandatory seven-day notice period, during which the eligibility of the applications is verified. The ECI emphasizes that no name can be removed from the draft rolls without a formal “speaking order” following a thorough inquiry and ensuring the elector is given a chance to present their case.

Transparency and Accessibility

For transparency, the ECI has published the list of names excluded from the draft rolls along with the reasons for exclusion on the websites of District Election Officers (DEOs) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). This allows aggrieved voters to file claims with necessary documentation, including their Aadhaar details.

Importance of Error-Free Electoral Rolls

The ECI reiterates that maintaining error-free electoral rolls is vital for a healthy democracy. The Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, which commenced on June 24, was based on comprehensive field-level inquiries conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and political party BLAs. Draft rolls were published on August 1 and shared with all 12 recognized political parties in Bihar, underscoring the collaborative effort to ensure an accurate voter list.

Call to Action for Eligible Voters

The Commission urges all eligible electors who have not yet registered to file their claims using Form 6 along with their Aadhaar number by the September 1 deadline. Furthermore, objections against any ineligible entries can be submitted using Form 7. Interestingly, even non-electors may file objections if they provide a declaration or oath, showcasing the inclusive nature of this electoral process.

Fun Fact

Did you know that approximately 50% of India's population is under the age of 25? This demographic plays a crucial role in shaping the future of democracy through their participation in elections.

Source: Sambad English