Ranchi CEO Emphasizes Voter List Accuracy and BLO Sticker Verification
In a significant move to bolster electoral integrity, Ranchi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar has issued directives for a comprehensive review of voter registration processes. During an online meeting held at Nirvachan Sadan on Friday, Kumar stressed the urgency of ensuring that every eligible voter is included in the electoral roll, with a focus on minimizing discrepancies.
Key Instructions for Electoral Officers
Kumar mandated that officers must personally visit their assigned areas to check whether stickers containing information about Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) have been properly affixed to houses. This initiative aims to enhance voter awareness and accessibility. Additionally, he highlighted the need to identify voters who were not mapped during the previous special intensive revision and to complete their mapping promptly.
Mapping and Verification Protocols
The CEO emphasized that officers should share soft copies of polling station sketch maps with all recognized political parties to promote transparency. He also called for an intensive check to prevent incorrect mapping, ensuring minimal logical errors in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Kumar specified that BLO registers must accurately record house numbers, family members aged 18 or above, and the name of the household head. For houses without numbers, BLOs are to assign notional numbers to maintain systematic records.
Addressing Duplicate Voter IDs and ASDD List
Kumar directed that duplicate voter identity cards in the Absent, Shifted, Dead, and Duplicate (ASDD) voters list be 100% identified and removed through the system. This step is crucial to facilitate the intensive revision. He added that the ASDD list must be authenticated by Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of recognized political parties to ensure credibility and fairness.
Enhancing Voter Support Services
To improve voter assistance, Kumar instructed that the 'book a call' feature be utilized to ensure 100% callback within 48 hours for voter inquiries. He stressed the importance of resolving issues in a timely manner to build trust and efficiency in the electoral process.
Meeting Participants and Broader Implications
The virtual meeting was attended by Joint Chief Electoral Officer Subodh Kumar, Training Nodal Officer Dev Das Datta, Deputy Electoral Officer Dheeraj Thakur, and deputy electoral officers from all districts. This collaborative effort underscores the state's commitment to refining electoral procedures ahead of upcoming elections, aiming for a seamless and inclusive voting experience.
