Special Intensive Revision claims phase to end on January 18; more than 12.8 lakh electors seek inclusion in rolls

The 'Special Intensive Revision claims phase' for electoral rolls, which concluded on January 18, is a critical, albeit routine, exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter lists. This process is fundamental to the functioning of India's democratic system, directly impacting the principle of 'one person, one vote' and ensuring free and fair elections.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

India, as the world's largest democracy, relies heavily on accurate electoral rolls to facilitate the participation of its vast electorate. The electoral roll is a list of all eligible voters in a constituency. Over time, these rolls can become outdated due to various reasons such as deaths, migration, new eligible voters turning 18, and duplicate entries. To address this, the ECI periodically conducts revisions. An 'intensive revision' involves a comprehensive exercise where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visit every household to verify voter details, identify eligible new voters, and mark deceased or shifted voters. This particular 'claims phase' refers to a period where citizens can actively participate by filing claims for inclusion (Form 6), objections for deletion (Form 7), or correction of particulars (Form 8). The article highlights that over 12.8 lakh electors sought inclusion, indicating active citizen participation. More significantly, the exercise led to the deletion of a substantial 97.37 lakh electors from an initial 6.41 crore, reducing the total electorate to 5.43 crore in the specific state. This large number of deletions underscores the importance and effectiveness of such intensive revision processes in cleaning up the electoral database.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Several key stakeholders are integral to this process. The **Election Commission of India (ECI)** is the primary constitutional body, established under **Article 324** of the Constitution, responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Within the states, the **Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)**, appointed by the ECI, oversees the implementation of election-related activities. At the grassroots level, **Booth Level Officers (BLOs)**, often government employees like teachers or Anganwadi workers, are the frontline functionaries who conduct door-to-door verification and assist citizens with filing claims and objections. **Electors/Citizens** themselves are crucial stakeholders, as their active participation in checking their details and applying for necessary changes ensures the accuracy of the rolls. Finally, **Political Parties** also play a significant role by appointing Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to assist in the verification process and ensure their supporters are correctly registered.

**Why This Matters for India:**

Accurate electoral rolls are the bedrock of a robust democracy. Firstly, they uphold the principle of **Universal Adult Franchise**, enshrined in **Article 326**, ensuring that every eligible citizen above 18 years of age has the right to vote. Secondly, they prevent electoral malpractice, such as multiple voting or impersonation, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the election process. The deletion of nearly 97.37 lakh names indicates a significant cleansing of the rolls, removing potential avenues for fraud. Thirdly, it ensures that government resources are efficiently utilized, as printing ballot papers, managing polling stations, and deploying personnel for non-existent voters would be a wasteful exercise. Moreover, clean rolls help in better demographic planning and policy formulation by providing a more accurate picture of the eligible voting population. The exercise reflects the ECI's continuous efforts towards electoral reforms and strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation.

**Historical Context and Related Constitutional Provisions:**

The framework for electoral rolls is primarily laid down by the **Representation of the People Act, 1950**, which deals with the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, and the **Representation of the People Act, 1951**, which governs the conduct of elections and related matters. Since India's first general elections in 1951-52, the ECI has continuously evolved its methods for electoral roll management, moving from manual processes to increasing digitalization. The introduction of Electronic Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) in 1993 was a major step towards enhancing voter identification and preventing impersonation. More recently, the **Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021**, introduced key changes, including allowing for four qualifying dates (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1) for voter registration, making the revision process more continuous. It also allowed for the voluntary linking of Aadhaar with voter ID for de-duplication purposes, a reform aimed at further cleaning up the rolls and addressing duplicate entries across different constituencies or states.

**Future Implications:**

The successful conclusion of such intensive revision phases has several future implications. It means that the upcoming elections in the state will be conducted on a much cleaner and more accurate electoral roll, enhancing the credibility of the election outcome. The ECI is continuously exploring technological solutions, such as online voter registration and mobile apps, to make the process more accessible and efficient. The emphasis on continuous updation, facilitated by the 2021 amendment, suggests a move towards a more dynamic and less periodic revision system, ensuring that rolls remain updated throughout the year. Challenges, however, remain, including ensuring the participation of marginalized communities, addressing issues of voter apathy, and the ongoing debate around data privacy with initiatives like Aadhaar linking. Overall, these revisions are vital in reinforcing public trust in the electoral system and ensuring that India's democratic ideals are upheld effectively.