Jharkhand Electoral Authority Mandates Separate ASDD Voter List Publication
Ranchi: In a significant move to enhance electoral transparency, Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar has announced that a separate list of absent, shifted, dead, and duplicate (ASDD) voters will be published concurrently with the draft electoral rolls for the upcoming special intensive revision (SIR). This directive aims to streamline the voter verification process and ensure accuracy in the electoral database.
CEO Emphasizes Timely Digitization and Legal Compliance
During a crucial meeting with deputy electoral officers from all districts on Friday, CEO K Ravi Kumar stressed the importance of completing the digitization of the ASDD list promptly. He underscored that all actions and decisions must strictly adhere to established Acts and guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (EC). "Officers should ensure that every step is taken in full compliance with legal frameworks to maintain the integrity of the electoral process," Kumar stated.
Mandatory Verification by Political Party Agents
Kumar highlighted that it is mandatory for the ASDD list to be verified by booth level agents (BLAs) of recognized political parties at their respective polling stations. "The verification process must involve BLAs to foster trust and accountability," he explained in an interview on Saturday. Additionally, he mandated that coordination meetings be held in all districts with recognized political parties to update them on the pre-preparations for the SIR of electoral rolls.
Publication and Distribution of Draft Rolls and ASDD List
At the conclusion of the enumeration phase of the SIR, the draft electoral rolls will be published alongside the ASDD voter list. Kumar detailed that before finalizing the ASDD list, booth level officers (BLOs) must conduct meetings with BLAs, and the proceedings of these meetings should be uploaded for transparency. "This ensures all stakeholders are informed and involved in the process," he added.
The draft electoral rolls and ASDD list will be displayed across all polling booths and on the CEO's official website. Furthermore, all lists will be provided to the nine registered political parties in Jharkhand, which include three regional parties and six with a pan-India presence.
Determination of Voter Eligibility Under Representation of the People Act
Kumar clarified that electoral registration officers (EROs) will assess voter genuineness and residency on a case-by-case basis, guided by Section 20 of The Representation of the People Act, 1950. This section specifies that homeownership does not automatically confer residency, temporary absences do not terminate residency, and it outlines rules for special cases such as prisoners or individuals in declared offices.
Enhanced Door-to-Door Visits for Data Collection
During door-to-door visits, BLOs are instructed to compile a list of household heads and the number of adult residents. "This data will significantly aid in the SIR process by providing a clearer demographic picture," Kumar noted, emphasizing the role of grassroots efforts in ensuring comprehensive electoral rolls.
This initiative reflects Jharkhand's commitment to conducting fair and transparent elections, with a focus on involving political parties and adhering to legal standards to uphold democratic principles.
