In a significant move to safeguard democratic rights, the Kerala state government has decided to establish special helpdesks at village offices across the state. This initiative aims to assist eligible individuals who found themselves excluded from the draft electoral roll following the completion of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Cabinet Decision to Ensure Voter Inclusion
The decision was taken during a state cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasizing the government's responsibility in a democratic system. The primary goal is to ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the final list. Vijayan highlighted that individuals who were not included in the voters' list back in 2002 are now at a particularly high risk of exclusion. He also pointed out a concerning trend where some people, previously registered as voters, have been omitted after the SIR process.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the current situation, noting that the Election Commission has not provided exact numbers of those affected. However, he revealed that a staggering 19,32,000 individuals named in the draft list are now required to attend hearings again with documents to confirm their voting rights. This additional hurdle stems from a condition mandating that individuals aged 18 to 40 must link their lineage to the 2002 voters' list.
Operational Details of the Helpdesks
To address this administrative challenge, the government has directed District Collectors to set up the required facilities promptly. Each helpdesk will be staffed with two officers temporarily assigned to provide guidance and assistance to the public. These officers will help people navigate the process of reclaiming their voting rights.
If a village office lacks the necessary facilities, arrangements will be made at the nearest available government office. This flexible approach is designed to make the service as accessible as possible to citizens in need of support.
Widespread Concerns Over Voter Exclusion
Chief Minister Vijayan outlined the core issue, stating that many individuals who had voted in the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2024 Parliament elections are now being excluded. He cited alarming instances, such as at polling station 138 in Sreevaraham, where information is missing for 704 out of 1,224 voters—a situation he described as suspicious. He confirmed that similar scenarios exist in other parts of Kerala.
Furthermore, Vijayan criticized the timing and execution of the Special Intensive Revision. He stated that despite multiple requests from the state government advising against conducting a hasty SIR in states nearing elections, the Election Commission proceeded with the intensive review. The Chief Minister argued that this move was not in the best interest of democracy.
The establishment of these helpdesks represents a proactive step by the Kerala government to mitigate the impact of the electoral list revision and uphold the fundamental right to vote for all its citizens.
