Paper: GS – II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Election Commission and RPA, Issue: Special Intensive Revision.
Context:
The recent announcement by the Election Commission (EC) regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in 22 States and Union Territories (UTs) in India.
- The first phase of the Population Census 2027, specifically the house listing operation, is set to begin on April 1, 2026.
Key Takeaways:
What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
Special Intensive Revision refers to a large-scale revision of electoral rolls carried out under the constitutional and statutory powers of the ECI. It typically involves:
- Fresh enumeration forms
- Door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
- Verification of voter documents
- Deletion of ineligible entries
- Inclusion of eligible voters who were earlier omitted
Legal Basis of Special Intensive Revision:
The authority for conducting SIR flows from the following provisions:
- Article 324(1) of the Constitution: Grants the ECI powers of superintendence, direction, and control over elections.
- Article 326: Guarantees adult suffrage to all citizens aged 18 years and above.
- Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950: Empowers the ECI to direct a special revision of electoral rolls.
- Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: Prescribes procedures for enrolment and revision, though the term “Special Intensive Revision” is not explicitly mentioned, leading to some legal debate on nomenclature.
| Types of Electoral Roll Revisions: Intensive Revision: An intensive revision involves a complete and fresh preparation of electoral rolls through a house-to-house enumeration. Summary Revision: It is a routine annual updating, in which existing rolls are published as drafts, and citizens file claims for inclusion, deletion, or correction. Special Revision: It is undertaken in exceptional cases, such as missed areas, large-scale errors, or legal or political exigencies. |
The upcoming Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in 22 States and Union Territories is a critical step towards ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the electoral process in India. This strategic planning will facilitate a smooth execution of both initiatives, ultimately contributing to a more robust democratic process.
Source: (The Hindu)
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