The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a special revision exercise (SIR) across the country to update electoral rolls. While aimed at ensuring cleaner and more accurate voter lists, a recent survey conducted in Assam, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Delhi raises serious concerns about the inclusivity of this process. The findings suggest that the document requirements set by the Election Commission are too onerous for many voters, potentially leading to widespread exclusion.

Purpose of the Special Revision Exercise

The ECI undertakes regular revision drives to maintain the integrity of electoral rolls. The idea is to update voter lists, remove duplicates, and include new eligible voters, particularly young citizens who recently turned 18. A well-maintained voter list is critical to ensure fair elections. However, the latest SIR has sparked criticism, as it imposes stringent documentation requirements that many ordinary citizens find difficult to meet.

Survey Findings Across Six Regions

The survey covered Assam, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi—states and regions that reflect India’s political diversity. The results indicated that:

• Many citizens lack the prescribed documents, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

• Migrants, daily wage earners, and women are at greater risk of exclusion as they often lack proof of residence in their new locations.

• Even those with documents face bureaucratic delays and rejections, making the process frustrating.

This means that despite the objective of inclusivity, the SIR may end up disenfranchising voters, undermining the democratic principle of universal suffrage.

Risks of Voter Exclusion

The issue is particularly worrying in states like Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where large numbers of people migrate seasonally for work. In Delhi, too, migrant workers face challenges in proving residence. In Assam, the exercise evokes memories of the NRC (National Register of Citizens) controversy, where lakhs of people were left out due to lack of documents.

The survey suggests that if corrective measures are not taken, the revision process could exclude a significant section of the electorate, particularly those from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds.

Experts’ Concerns

Electoral experts warn that while maintaining clean and accurate voter lists is important, the process must remain inclusive. Too much emphasis on documentation risks creating a situation where large groups of eligible citizens are denied their constitutional right to vote.

Some have called for:

• Relaxing document requirements and allowing more alternatives.

• Greater use of door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

• A grievance redressal mechanism to help citizens whose applications are rejected.

Balancing Integrity and Inclusion

The challenge before the Election Commission is to balance accuracy with inclusivity. While duplicate entries and ineligible voters need to be removed, the priority must remain on ensuring every eligible citizen is able to vote. Critics argue that the current approach seems tilted more towards exclusion than inclusion.

Conclusion

The survey findings are a reminder that the strength of Indian democracy lies in its inclusivity. If the electoral rolls are not accessible to all citizens, the fairness of elections could be compromised. As India prepares for upcoming electoral contests, the ECI will need to address these concerns to restore confidence in the voter registration process and ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.

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