In a significant move to strengthen India's democratic framework, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the second phase of its Special Summary Revision (SSR) program targeting 12 states and union territories. This initiative comes hot on the heels of the recent Bihar bypolls and aims to purify and update electoral rolls ahead of crucial upcoming elections.
Which States Are Included in This Drive?
The comprehensive voter list cleanup will cover: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. Each state will follow a meticulously planned schedule to ensure maximum participation and accuracy.
Key Dates Every Voter Should Mark
The revision process follows a structured timeline:
- Draft Publication Date: October 27, 2024
- Claims and Objections Period: October 27 to December 9, 2024
- Disposal of Claims: December 26, 2024
- Final Electoral Roll Publication: January 10, 2025
Who Can Participate in This Revision?
This special drive welcomes several categories of eligible citizens:
- Indian citizens who will turn 18 years old on or before January 1, 2025
- Individuals who have recently changed their residence
- Voters needing to correct their personal details
- Those seeking to delete duplicate or ineligible entries
Bihar's Special Focus After Recent Elections
The timing of this revision is particularly significant for Bihar, where the Election Commission recently conducted bypolls for five assembly constituencies. The SSR will help address any electoral discrepancies identified during these elections and ensure a more accurate voter database for future polls.
How to Get Involved in the Electoral Process
Prospective voters can submit their applications through multiple channels:
- Online via the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP)
- Through the Voter Helpline mobile application
- In-person at Electoral Registration Officer offices
- Via Booth Level Officers in respective constituencies
The Election Commission has emphasized that this special revision drive represents a crucial step toward ensuring "pure, inclusive, and updated electoral rolls" across participating states. With state assembly elections looming in several of these regions, this initiative takes on added significance in maintaining the integrity of India's electoral democracy.
