The Election Commission of India (ECI) has undertaken a massive clean-up of the electoral database, resulting in the removal of a staggering number of names from draft voter lists. As part of the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SSR) 2024, the poll body has identified and removed nearly 6.5 crore entries from the draft electoral rolls of 12 states and union territories.
Scope and Scale of the Electoral Roll Revision
This significant exercise is part of the second phase of the Special Summary Revision 2024. The states and union territories covered in this phase include Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram, and Odisha. The process also includes the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep.
The primary objective of this revision is to ensure the accuracy and purity of the electoral rolls. The names removed largely belong to three categories: duplicate entries, deceased voters, and individuals who have permanently shifted their residence to another constituency. This rigorous process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process and preventing electoral malpractices.
Detailed Breakdown of Additions and Deletions
The ECI has provided a detailed numerical breakdown of the changes. In these 12 states and UTs, a total of over 1.41 crore new electors have been added to the draft rolls. This includes approximately 60.47 lakh young voters in the 18-19 age group who will be eligible to vote for the first time.
However, the scale of deletions is far more substantial. The commission has proposed the deletion of nearly 6.5 crore electors from the draft rolls. This figure represents a critical step in weeding out ineligible voters and ensuring that the final list is a true reflection of the current electorate. The draft rolls for this phase were published on December 1, 2023, kicking off a period for claims and objections.
Public Scrutiny and the Claims & Objections Period
Following the publication of the draft rolls, the ECI has opened a window for public scrutiny. Citizens have a designated period, from December 2, 2023, to January 1, 2024, to file claims and objections. During this time, eligible voters who find their names missing can apply for inclusion. Similarly, citizens can raise objections against any entry they believe is incorrect or ineligible.
This participatory phase is vital for democratic engagement. The final electoral rolls for these states and UTs will be published on January 22, 2024, incorporating all valid claims and resolving objections. The entire process is conducted with the aim of creating a robust and error-free voter database ahead of future elections.
Implications for Electoral Integrity and Future Polls
The removal of such a large number of entries underscores the Election Commission's commitment to electoral integrity. Clean and updated rolls are fundamental to conducting free and fair elections. They help in efficient polling station management, accurate distribution of voter slips, and minimizing confusion on election day.
For political parties and candidates, an accurate roll is essential for planning campaigns and reaching out to genuine voters. The exercise also highlights the dynamic nature of India's electorate, with millions of young voters being added and outdated records being purged simultaneously. The ECI has consistently urged all eligible citizens, especially new voters, to verify their registration status and participate actively in the electoral process.
