Understanding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) in Telangana
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Telangana, the first such exercise in over 24 years. The process aims to purify the electoral roll by linking existing voters with the previous SIR conducted in 2002. Here is a comprehensive guide on how the SIR will be implemented and what it means for voters.
Enumeration Phase: June 25 to July 7
During the enumeration phase, partially pre-printed enumeration forms (EFs) will be distributed to each elector by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Voters must fill and return these forms. Names of all electors whose forms are received will be included in the draft roll. Notices will be issued to those whose names could not be matched with the 2002 SIR; such cases will be heard to decide inclusion or exclusion.
Safeguards to Prevent Unauthorized Removal
Names of all electors who submit enumeration forms during the enumeration phase will be included in the draft roll. Details of electors whose forms are not received will be published on the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) website. If a name is missed, voters can file a claim during the claims and objection period.
Mapping of Voters: Self, Parents, or Grandparents
Voters whose names were in the 2002 SIR and the present electoral roll can be linked under self-mapping. Those in the present roll but not in the 2002 roll can be linked through parents or grandparents. Ex-servicemen and others facing issues should ensure correct mapping.
Ensuring Inclusion in the SIR Process
Electors can access the all-India database (https://voters.eci.gov.in/) of the previous SIR to match/link their details. They can also fill the EF online. BLOs are required to visit each house at least three times to distribute and collect forms. If a BLO does not visit, citizens can approach the ERO or use the helpline 1950.
Timeline for the SIR Process
The entire SIR process in Telangana is expected to take 95 days, as per the schedule announced by the ECI. The final updated electoral roll will be published after the completion of all phases, including claims and objections.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
If a voter's name is wrongly removed, the first appeal can be filed with the District Magistrate/District Election Officer (DEO). The second appeal lies with the Chief Electoral Officer. Wide publicity will be given through print, electronic, and social media to create awareness.
Shifting Residence from Another State
Voters who have moved from outside Telangana, such as from Mumbai or Chennai, must submit a declaration form along with Form 8 during the claims and objections period. They need not delete their name from the previous state's list separately; the declaration suffices.
Citizen Participation and Transparency
Lists of absent, shifted, deceased, or duplicate names not included in the draft roll will be published on the CEO website and public offices. Citizens can file claims and objections, which will be disposed of following due procedure. Draft and final rolls will be available online.
Identifying Bogus Voters While Protecting Genuine Ones
BLOs will distribute EFs to each existing elector and assist in matching/linking with the 2002 SIR. They will make at least three visits per household to collect forms and identify dead, permanently shifted, or duplicate voters. Electors can also submit forms online, especially urban voters and temporary migrants. EROs/AEROs will ensure no eligible citizen is left out.
Benefits of SIR and Enrolment of Young Voters
The last SIR was in 2002; since then, frequent migration, multiple registrations, and non-removal of dead voters have caused inaccuracies. SIR will purify the roll. New voters must apply in Form 6 with a declaration form for inclusion as new electors.
Documents Required for Voters Not in 2002 List
Electors born in India before July 7, 1987, should provide any one document establishing date of birth and/or place of birth from the list given in the enumeration form. For example, voters from West Bengal who shifted earlier need to keep such documents ready.
Tracking Application Status and Duplicate EPIC
Voters can track their application and EPIC status on https://voters.eci.gov.in/. For duplicate EPIC, they can apply through Form 8. If issues persist, the toll-free helpline 1950 can be contacted.
Missing Name from Voters' List
If a voter's name is missing despite having voted earlier, they can apply as a new elector using Form 6 with a declaration form. The SIR process provides an opportunity for inclusion.
Processing Time for Form 8 Applications
Claims and objections are a continuous process. Usually, applications are disposed of after seven days. If delayed, voters can contact the helpline 1950 with their details.
Correction of Personal Details
Applications for correction or updation of entries, replacement of EPIC, and marking of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) shall be in Form 8. Voters will be mapped even if there are minor variations in personal details across documents.
Provisions for Elderly, PwD, and Frequently Away Voters
BLOs will make at least three visits to collect EFs. Volunteers will be deployed to assist elderly, sick, PwD, poor, and other vulnerable groups. Those frequently away can fill forms online.
Appeal Mechanism for Rejected Applications
An appeal against the order of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) rejecting an application under Rule 26 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, shall be presented to the DEO within 15 days. A further appeal against the DEO's order can be made to the CEO within 30 days.
Role of Political Parties and Polling Agents
CEOs, DEOs, and EROs hold meetings with recognised political parties to explain the SIR process. Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by parties can collect duly filled EFs, certify up to 50 EFs per day, and submit them to BLOs. Draft rolls, claims lists, and final rolls are provided to parties. BLAs can bring discrepancies to the notice of BLOs and EROs.
How to Check Your Details Before SIR
Electors can check their details and their parents' details in the all-India database (https://voters.eci.gov.in/) of the previous SIR and the present electoral roll. They can also access them on the CEO Telangana website.
