Election Commission Launches Nationwide Drive to Re-enrol Omitted Voters

The Election Commission of India has directed all states and union territories to launch a special drive to identify and enrol eligible voters omitted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The initiative follows accusations from opposition parties that the SIR disenfranchised millions of citizens. Data shows the SIR pruned voter lists in nine states and three Union territories by 10.2%, removing over 60 lakh dead voters.

Booth Level Officers will cross-check current rolls against pre-SIR lists and conduct house-to-house visits to facilitate enrolment via Form 6. The commission set a target of verifying 20 to 25 electors per week to complete the exercise within one month. To ensure inclusivity, the commission ordered the creation of help desks and specialized camps for marginalized populations, including the homeless and those in labor colonies.

In Goa, the Chief Electoral Officer reported that 88 of 97 voters omitted during the SIR have been resolved through Form 6 applications. Of the remaining nine cases, three individuals hold Portuguese passports and six reside outside India. The omissions in Goa were linked to software limitations within the national commission's system that prevented verified electors from being added to the rolls. To increase transparency, the commission will share booth-wise lists with agents of recognized political parties.