Why SIR verification needs to be completely digitised

Accurate and updated electoral rolls form the bedrock of a robust democracy, ensuring every eligible citizen can exercise their fundamental right to vote. In India, the Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutional body established under Article 324, is entrusted with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections, including the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls is a periodic exercise undertaken by the ECI to update these rolls, adding new eligible voters, deleting deceased or shifted voters, and making necessary corrections. SIR 2.0 (Special Summary Revision 2.0) refers to one such recent iteration of this crucial exercise, aimed at refining the voter database.

The challenge highlighted by the article stems from the paradox that despite the existence of advanced digital infrastructure, the verification process for SIR 2.0 has largely remained mired in paper-based methods. The ECINet system, an internal network and database designed for the ECI, possesses capabilities for digital data entry, verification, cross-checks, and maintaining comprehensive audit trails. This system was envisioned to streamline electoral processes, enhance transparency, and reduce manual errors. However, the ground reality during SIR 2.0 involved extensive reliance on physical forms, manual summons issued to voters for verification, and in-person hearings. This old-school approach has inevitably led to widespread confusion, distress, and inconvenience among voters, defeating the very purpose of modernizing electoral administration.

Key stakeholders in this process include the **Election Commission of India (ECI)**, which is ultimately responsible for the integrity and efficiency of the electoral rolls. Its constitutional mandate under Article 324 empowers it to conduct free and fair elections, which necessitates accurate voter lists. **Voters** are perhaps the most critical stakeholders, as they are directly impacted by the ease or difficulty of the verification process. Confusion or procedural hurdles can lead to disenfranchisement or a loss of faith in the system. **Political parties** also have a vested interest, as accurate rolls ensure fair representation and prevent electoral malpractice. Finally, **Booth Level Officers (BLOs)** and other election officials at the grassroots level are the implementers, often burdened by the manual processes despite the availability of digital tools.

The significance of this issue for India is profound. Firstly, it directly impacts the **integrity of India's democratic process**. Inaccurate electoral rolls can lead to eligible voters being excluded or ineligible persons being included, undermining the principle of 'one person, one vote.' Secondly, it highlights a critical gap in India's broader **e-governance and Digital India initiatives**. While the government has made significant strides in digitizing various public services, the incomplete digitization of a core democratic function like electoral roll verification reflects a systemic challenge. Full digitization would not only enhance administrative efficiency by reducing costs and processing time but also improve transparency and accountability through digital audit trails.

Historically, electoral roll management has always been a mammoth task in a country as vast and diverse as India. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, lays down the legal framework for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, while the Representation of the People Act, 1951, governs the conduct of elections. Over the decades, the ECI has continuously strived for reforms, from introducing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the 1980s and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the 2010s to efforts at linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs (though this faced privacy concerns and legal challenges). The intent behind these reforms has always been to leverage technology for greater efficiency and reliability. The current situation with SIR 2.0 shows that while the intent and technological capability (ECINet) exist, the actual implementation at the grassroots level is lagging.

The future implications of this issue are significant. A complete digitization of the SIR verification process would be a major leap towards **electoral reforms** and **citizen-centric governance**. It would reduce the scope for human error, minimize voter harassment, and provide a more accessible and transparent mechanism for roll revision. However, challenges remain, including ensuring digital literacy among all sections of the populace, bridging the digital divide, ensuring robust data security and privacy protocols, and training ground-level staff effectively. The ECI must prioritize a phased, comprehensive digitization strategy, perhaps starting with pilot projects, to leverage the full potential of ECINet and other digital tools. This would not only enhance the credibility of India's elections but also reinforce the nation's commitment to modern, efficient, and inclusive governance, aligning with the broader vision of a 'Digital India.'