Boosting Democracy: EC Launches Major Electoral Roll Clean-Up ๐ฎ๐ณ
In a significant move to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter data across the nation, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially launched the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls in 12 States and Union Territories today. This massive exercise is a cornerstone of India’s electoral preparedness, aimed at creating clean, error-free, and comprehensive voter lists ahead of upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
The launch of the Intensive Revision marks the beginning of a crucial period where eligible citizens can register, update their details, or file objections regarding the existing rolls.
The Intensive Drive: What It Means
The Electoral Roll Revision process is a standard, yet vital, function of the ECI. The term ‘Intensive’ signifies a rigorous, time-bound process involving thousands of ground-level election officials, known as Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
The primary goals of this special drive include:
- Inclusion of New Voters: Enrolling all citizens who have attained the age of 18 as of the qualifying date, especially first-time voters.
- Removal of Duplicates: Deleting the names of deceased, shifted, or duplicated voters to ensure the accuracy of the rolls.
- Correction of Details: Allowing existing voters to correct errors in their name, age, address, or other personal particulars.
- Special Focus Areas: Addressing low voter turnout areas and ensuring maximum enrolment for vulnerable sections of society.
States and UTs Under the Scanner
The revision focuses on 12 specific jurisdictions where the need for updating and cleaning the rolls is deemed most critical, likely in preparation for elections scheduled in the coming year. While the specific list of states and UTs involved in today’s launch will be officially released by the ECI, the process will cover a diverse demographic, ranging from coastal regions to politically significant heartland states.
Citizens residing in the designated 12 States and UTs are strongly encouraged to verify their current voter details immediately.
How Citizens Can Participate
The success of the revision hinges on active citizen participation. The ECI has streamlined the process through both online and offline channels:
- Online Registration: Citizens can use the National Voter’s Service Portal (NVSP) or the dedicated Voter Helpline App to fill out various forms (Form 6 for new registration, Form 8 for corrections/transfers).
- Offline Verification: Special camps will be organized at Polling Stations, typically on designated weekends, where BLOs will be available to accept physical forms and assist with verification.
The launch of this Intensive Electoral Roll Revision today sets the stage for a period of heightened democratic activity, reaffirming the ECI’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible voice is counted in the forthcoming electoral battles.