Amidst growing concerns and criticism surrounding the Election Commission's (EC) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has announced a significant easing of rules regarding document submission. This move comes as the deadline for form submission approaches, with widespread apprehension that many eligible voters could be disenfranchised due to difficulties in procuring the required documents.
The core issue revolves around the EC's directive for voters to provide documentary evidence to verify their inclusion in the electoral rolls. This requirement, part of the SIR process, has sparked uproar, with opposition parties claiming that it sets an unreasonably high bar for many citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities who may lack access to the necessary paperwork. Concerns were raised that a significant portion of the electorate risked being excluded from the voter list, undermining the democratic process.
In response to the escalating concerns, the Bihar CEO's office has instructed Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to accept enumeration forms even without the mandatory documents, provided the forms are filled out and signed. Voters can submit the necessary documents later. This decision is viewed as an attempt to alleviate panic and ensure broader participation in the voter list revision process. An advertisement in Hindi newspapers conveyed the message: “Fill and submit your enumeration forms with documents and your photograph to BLOs as early as possible. If you do not have requisite documents, send the filled-out, signed forms to the BLOs".
The EC has clarified that approximately 4.96 crore voters already listed in the 2003 electoral roll, need not submit any supporting documents. Their children are also exempt from submitting documents related to their parents. These voters only need to verify their details and submit the filled-up enumeration form. The 2003 Electoral Roll is available on the Commission's website.
The Election Commission has also clarified that even if voters cannot provide the required documents, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) can make a decision based on local investigation or other documentary evidence.
Despite these concessions, the SIR process has faced legal challenges. Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has approached the Supreme Court, contesting the EC's order for the special revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Moitra argues that the order violates constitutional provisions and the Representation of the People Act, potentially leading to large-scale disenfranchisement. A similar plea has been filed by the NGO Association of Democratic Reforms.
The opposition INDIA bloc leaders met with Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer to voice their concerns, deeming the SIR "impractical and anti-democratic". They have advocated for the inclusion of documents like Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and MGNREGA cards as valid forms of identification for verification purposes.
The Election Commission maintains that the SIR is being conducted transparently to include all eligible citizens while removing ineligible voters. The door-to-door verification drive is scheduled to take place between June 25 and July 26, using July 1 as the cut-off date for eligibility. The draft electoral roll is expected to be published on August 1, with a window for claims and objections open until September 1. The final list is scheduled for release on September 30.
