Uttar Pradesh Electoral Reforms: Help Desks and Registration Drive Launched
In a significant move to enhance electoral efficiency and inclusivity, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Uttar Pradesh, Navdeep Rinwa, has issued directives to establish help desks at all voter hearing venues. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to streamline the electoral process and expand voter participation across the state.
Help Desks to Assist Voters During Hearings
To facilitate voters attending hearings related to the special summary revision of electoral rolls, help desks will be set up at every venue. These desks will be staffed with trained personnel who are equipped to address voter queries and guide individuals through the hearing process. Additionally, the help desks will prominently display toll-free helpline numbers for further assistance.
Basic amenities such as seating arrangements, drinking water, and clean restrooms will be ensured at all sites. Clear signage will be installed to enhance visibility and accessibility for voters. This measure follows the issuance of notices to over 3 crore voters, including 1.04 crore without prior details and 2.22 crore with logical discrepancies, who have been called for hearings.
Statewide Campaign to Boost Voter Registration
Simultaneously, CEO Navdeep Rinwa has launched a focused statewide drive aimed at improving voter registration among key demographics. The campaign specifically targets youth aged 18–20 and women, with an emphasis on newly married and adolescent girls who may have been missed in previous enumerations.
In a virtual meeting with officials from the education, health, and women welfare departments, Rinwa stressed the importance of running special campaigns in educational institutions. Schools, colleges, and universities will be encouraged to promote voter registration through Form 6, utilizing both online and offline channels. Voter literacy clubs are expected to play a pivotal role in spreading awareness and encouraging participation.
Addressing the Decline in Female Voter Ratio
Noting a concerning decline in the female voter ratio—from 877 per 1,000 male voters on October 27, 2025, to 824 on January 6, 2026—Rinwa has instructed officials to prioritize the registration of unregistered women. Particular attention will be given to those who may have been overlooked after marriage.
To ensure an inclusive approach, the campaign will leverage support from ASHA workers, ANMs, Anganwadi staff, and self-help group (SHG) members. These community health and welfare workers will assist in identifying and registering eligible women voters across the state.
Intensive 15-Day Registration Campaign
A 15-day intensive registration campaign has been ordered to maximize outreach and impact. This initiative will be widely promoted across various media platforms, including:
- Print media
- Electronic media
- Social media
The goal is to ensure that all eligible citizens, especially youth and women, are added to the electoral rolls, thereby strengthening democratic participation in Uttar Pradesh. These efforts reflect a proactive approach to addressing electoral challenges and fostering a more engaged voter base.
