Special Intensive Revision (SIR): Understanding the Process of 'Purifying' India's Electoral Rolls
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Election Commission of India - ECI, Elections, Electoral Rolls, Representation of the People Act, 1950, Electoral Registration Officer - ERO).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act; Powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies (ECI); Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.
Key Highlights from the News
Election Commission (EC) is preparing to implement the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, which was completed in Bihar, nationwide.
This is an intensive process, unlike the usual annual summary revision, where all voters must submit new forms.
The EC is authorized to conduct this special revision under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Declared objective of SIR: "purification" of electoral rolls, i.e., preparing an accurate list by removing deceased, permanently relocated, and bogus voters.
Controversy: Political parties express concern that this is an attempt to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) by indirect means, and that it could lead to the exclusion of marginalized sections from the voter list.
The Supreme Court has suggested that Aadhaar card can also be accepted as an identification document in this matter.
The article calls for a flawless voter list, which is essential for democracy, and for citizens, political parties, and civil society to actively participate in this process.
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