Voter Roll Cleanup: 3.68 Crore Electors Deleted in Special Intensive Revision 2.0
Over 3.68 crore voters deleted in second round of Special Intensive Revision across 3 states and 1 UT.
Photo by Brett Jordan
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out the second round of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR 2.0) of electoral rolls, leading to the deletion of a staggering 3.68 crore electors across 11 states and Union Territories so far. Draft electoral rolls were recently published in Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands recorded the highest deletion rate at 21%, with reasons including electors being shifted or absent (16.72%), deceased (2.96%), or enrolled at multiple places (0.94%). This massive cleanup operation is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of India's electoral system, preventing voter fraud, and ensuring that only eligible citizens participate in the democratic process.
Key Facts
3.68 crore electors deleted in SIR 2.0 across 11 states/UTs
Draft electoral rolls published in Kerala, MP, Chhattisgarh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Andaman & Nicobar Islands had highest deletion rate at 21%
Reasons for deletion include shifted/absent, deceased, and multiple enrollments
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to the Election Commission of India (Article 324) and universal adult franchise (Article 326).
Statutory framework governing electoral rolls and elections, primarily the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951.
Functions and powers of the ECI in electoral administration, including preparation, revision, and maintenance of electoral rolls.
Challenges to electoral integrity and the role of electoral reforms in addressing issues like voter fraud and duplicate entries.
The importance of accurate electoral rolls for democratic legitimacy and effective governance.
Visual Insights
Voter Roll Cleanup: States/UTs with Significant Deletions (SIR 2.0)
This map highlights the states and Union Territories where draft electoral rolls were recently published as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR 2.0), leading to significant deletions. Andaman & Nicobar Islands recorded the highest deletion rate at 21%. The cleanup operation spans 11 states/UTs.
Loading interactive map...
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
The ECI has initiated 'Special Intensive Revision (SIR 2.0)' of electoral rolls, a significant exercise aimed at purifying the voter lists. This drive has already led to the deletion of 3.68 crore electors across 11 states and Union Territories.
The primary reasons for these deletions include electors being shifted or absent from their registered addresses, deceased voters, and multiple enrollments. This massive cleanup operation is crucial for enhancing the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process, preventing voter fraud, and upholding the principle of 'one person, one vote'.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and electoral rolls, consider the following statements: 1. The ECI is solely responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls for elections to Parliament and State Legislatures. 2. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, primarily deals with the qualifications of voters and the preparation of electoral rolls. 3. Deletion of electors from the rolls due to multiple enrollments is a measure to prevent voter fraud and ensure the principle of 'one person, one vote'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: Article 324 of the Constitution vests the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament and State Legislatures in the ECI. Statement 2 is correct: The Representation of the People Act, 1950, provides for the allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies for elections, qualifications of voters, and the preparation of electoral rolls. Statement 3 is correct: Deleting duplicate entries or multiple enrollments is a critical step to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, prevent fraudulent voting, and uphold the democratic principle of 'one person, one vote'.
2. In the context of electoral reforms in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the process of electoral roll revision?
- A.The ECI conducts periodic special summary revisions of electoral rolls to update voter lists.
- B.Electors can apply for inclusion, deletion, or modification of entries in the electoral rolls during revision periods.
- C.The linking of Aadhaar with voter ID is currently mandatory for all electors to ensure de-duplication.
- D.Reasons for deletion often include deceased voters, shifted residents, and duplicate entries.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement A is correct: The ECI regularly conducts Special Summary Revisions (SSR) to update electoral rolls. Statement B is correct: Citizens are provided opportunities to submit claims and objections during the revision process. Statement C is NOT correct: The linking of Aadhaar with voter ID is currently voluntary, not mandatory. The Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, allowed for the linking of Aadhaar with voter ID on a voluntary basis for authentication and de-duplication. Statement D is correct: As highlighted in the news, these are common reasons for deletion during intensive revision drives.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Representation of the People Acts: 1. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, primarily deals with the conduct of elections, administrative machinery for elections, and electoral offences. 2. The Representation of the People Act, 1951, provides for the allocation of seats, delimitation of constituencies, and preparation of electoral rolls. 3. Both Acts empower the Election Commission of India to take necessary steps for ensuring free and fair elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.3 only
- D.1 and 2 only
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Representation of the People Act, 1950, primarily deals with the allocation of seats, delimitation of constituencies, and preparation of electoral rolls. The conduct of elections, administrative machinery, and electoral offences are covered by the 1951 Act. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Representation of the People Act, 1951, deals with the conduct of elections, administrative machinery for elections, qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures, and electoral offences. Statement 3 is correct: Both Acts, in conjunction with Article 324, provide the legal framework and empower the ECI to ensure free and fair elections.