Need for a Fresh Electoral Rolls for Bihar

Context

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked for the electoral rolls for Bihar to be prepared afresh. 

Key Highlights

• All electors ought to submit an enumeration shape, and people registered after 2003 ought to also offer documentation setting up their citizenship.
• This special intensive revision(SIV) of rolls will sooner or later cover all states and Union Territories. 
• Reasons for the SIV: Rapid urbanisation, common migration, younger residents turning into eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths and inclusion of the names of foreign unlawful immigrants have necessitated the conduct.
• The booth level officials (BLOs) will make residence to residence verification of the electorate.
• The remaining extensive revision for Bihar was carried out by the Commission in 2003.

Provision in RPA

• As in keeping with the Section 21(3) of The Representation of the People Act, 1950 the Election Commission “may also at any time… direct a special revision of the electoral roll for any constituency or part of a constituency in such manner because it may think suit”.
• The revision of rolls can be executed “both intensively or summarily or partly intensively and partially summarily, as the (ECI) can also direct”.
• In an intensive revision, the electoral roll is prepared afresh and in a precise revision, the roll is amended.
• Intensive revisions had been completed in 1952-56, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1966, 1983-eighty four, 1987-89, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Eligibility to be a Registered Voter in India

• Article 326 of the Constitution stipulates that: absolutely everyone who’s a citizen of India & who is not much less than 18 years of age at the qualifying date & isn’t always disqualified under any law shall be entitled to be registered within the electoral roll.
• Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 disqualifies someone from being registered on an electoral roll if:
  • they’re not a citizen of India,
  • are of unsound thoughts, as declared by using a competent courtroom, or
  • are disqualified under any regulation regarding corrupt practices or offences in reference to elections.
  • Procedure for Voter Registration
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) mandates new citizens to apply using Form 6.
• Applicants must put up:
  • Self-attested proof of age and address (such as application payments, passport, etc.)
  • A statement of Indian citizenship, which they should personally sign.
  • Proof of citizenship (along with passport or birth certificates) is not strictly required until the ERO suspects the applicant’s credentials.
  • Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are responsible for verifying the programs. The manner includes:
    • Verification of reports,
    • Hearings for claims and objections,
    • Acceptance or rejection of the utility.
• Section 31 of the RP Act, 1950 penalizes false declarations in voter applications.

Source: The Indian Express

Mains PYQ

Q. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (2024)

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