The State Election Commission (SEC) of Uttar Pradesh has taken a major step towards the upcoming three-tier Panchayat elections by releasing a comprehensively updated provisional electoral roll. This extensive revision aims to create a more accurate and inclusive voter database for the entire state.
Significant Growth in Voter Count
The revision has led to a substantial increase in the number of registered electors. The base voter roll, which previously stood at 12,29,50,052, has now grown to 12,69,69,610. This represents a net addition of 40,19,558 voters, marking a healthy growth rate of 3.27%.
How the Massive Revision Was Carried Out
The update process was built around three core activities: adding new voters, modifying existing entries, and deleting ineligible names. The scale of the operation was immense. A remarkable 1,81,96,367 new voters were enrolled, which accounts for 14.8% of the original list. Simultaneously, 21,08,601 entries were modified for corrections and updates.
To ensure the roll's integrity, a rigorous cleanup was also performed. 1,41,76,809 names were deleted from the previous list, constituting 11.53% of the total. These deletions primarily addressed cases of deceased voters, individuals who had migrated out of their constituencies, and duplicate registrations.
Technology Drives Efficiency and Accuracy
Technology, particularly the e-BLO App, was central to the success of this revision. The app processed the majority of the changes, demonstrating its effectiveness. It handled 72.12% of all additions (1,31,22,867), 78.07% of modifications (16,46,232), and 51.09% of deletions (72,42,565). Efforts from authorized vendors and online applications further streamlined the entire operation.
Crackdown on Duplicate Voters
A special focus of this revision was the elimination of duplicate entries to prevent electoral malpractices. The SEC's systems identified a staggering 90,76,015 potential duplicate records. This triggered a massive verification drive covering 2,27,33,769 records. The final outcome saw the removal of 53,67,410 confirmed duplicate voters, which alone accounted for approximately 39% of all deletions made during the process.
Public Review and Next Steps
An SEC official emphasized that the provisional list is now open for public scrutiny. Citizens are strongly encouraged to check their details and submit any claims or objections within the stipulated period. The official stated that this comprehensive revision is a critical milestone in preparing for transparent and credible Panchayat elections in 2025. It underscores the commission's commitment to leveraging technological innovation and stringent verification to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity.
