Jharkhand to Launch Extensive Voter Registration Camps for Electoral Roll Revision
In a significant move to enhance electoral integrity, Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar announced on Saturday that the state will establish 21,736 special camps across its territory. This initiative is part of the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, tentatively scheduled to commence in April, following a formal announcement.
Targeting Unmapped Voters for Comprehensive Enrollment
The primary objective of these camps is to assist voters whose names could not be mapped with the 2003 SIR voter list. CEO Kumar emphasized that the camps will be set up immediately after the SIR process begins in April, ensuring a smooth and accessible registration experience for all eligible citizens.
"More than 21,000 camps will be set up across the state to help people, especially the elderly, weaker sections, and genuine voters, complete the SIR process without any hassle," Kumar stated in an interview with TOI. He highlighted that the camps will primarily serve unmapped electors, addressing gaps in the current electoral database.
Deploying Full Election Machinery for Efficient Operations
To facilitate this large-scale effort, the state election machinery will be fully mobilized. This includes:
- Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO supervisors
- Help desk managers
- Assistant Electoral Registration Officers
- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs)
- Other officials, including computer operators
Kumar assured that this comprehensive deployment aims to ensure the process is carried out smoothly, minimizing disruptions and maximizing voter participation.
Addressing the Challenge of 70 Lakh Unmapped Voters
Currently, Jharkhand has a total of 2.65 crore electors. Among these, mapping has been completed for 1.95 crore people with the 2003 voter list, which was the last time the SIR was conducted. However, approximately 70 lakh people remain unmapped due to various reasons categorized as ASDD:
- Absent voters
- Shifted residents
- Dead individuals
- Duplicate voter entries
"The aim is to ensure that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible voter is enrolled in the electoral rolls during the SIR process," Kumar explained. This focus on accuracy and inclusivity underscores the state's commitment to democratic principles.
Enhancing Electoral Transparency and Accessibility
The establishment of these camps represents a proactive step by Jharkhand's election authorities to streamline voter registration. By targeting unmapped voters and leveraging a widespread network of camps, the initiative seeks to:
- Reduce barriers for vulnerable groups like the elderly and marginalized communities
- Update electoral rolls to reflect current demographic changes
- Prevent fraud by removing ineligible entries
- Promote higher voter turnout in future elections
As April approaches, residents are encouraged to participate in these camps to ensure their voting rights are secured, contributing to a more robust and representative electoral system in Jharkhand.
