Background Context
The concept of electoral roll purification has deep roots in the history of democratic elections. Initially, voter lists were often rudimentary and prone to manipulation. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, laid the foundation for systematic electoral roll preparation and maintenance. Over the decades, various amendments and technological advancements have aimed to improve the accuracy and integrity of voter lists. The introduction of photo electoral rolls, EPIC (Elector's Photo Identity Card), and now digital databases have been crucial milestones. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently strived to eliminate duplicate registrations, address demographic changes, and ensure that only eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls. This continuous process is essential for upholding the principles of free and fair elections.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls:
1. SIR is conducted periodically by the Election Commission of India to update and purify electoral rolls.
2. Deletions during SIR are solely based on reported deaths and migration.
3. The process involves field verification and public awareness campaigns.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as SIR is indeed for updating and purifying electoral rolls. Statement 3 is also correct as it involves field verification and public awareness. Statement 2 is incorrect because deletions are based on multiple factors like deaths, migration, and duplicate registrations.
Question 2
Which of the following constitutional articles empowers the Election Commission of India to supervise and control elections?
- Article 320
- Article 324
- Article 356
- Article 368
Explanation: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to the Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice President held under this Constitution.
Question 3
Assertion (A): Periodic revisions of electoral rolls are essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Reason (R): Demographic changes, migration, and mortality necessitate regular updates to voter lists.
In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- A is true, but R is false
- A is false, but R is true
Explanation: Both the assertion and the reason are true. Regular revisions are indeed essential for electoral integrity, and demographic changes, migration, and mortality are the primary reasons why these revisions are necessary. Therefore, R is the correct explanation of A.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in India?
1. SIR is conducted to update and purify electoral rolls.
2. Deletions in electoral rolls can occur due to deaths, migration, and duplicate registrations.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. Special Summary Revision aims to update and purify electoral rolls, and deletions are indeed a result of deaths, migration, and duplicate registrations.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 2023
Discuss the significance of Special Summary Revision (SIR) in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. What measures can be taken to ensure that genuine voters are not inadvertently excluded during the deletion process?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
According to the draft SIR 2.0, approximately what percentage of electors have been deleted across nine states and three Union Territories?
- (a) 5%
- (b) 10%
- (c) 13%
- (d) 18%
Explanation: The draft SIR 2.0 indicates that approximately 13% of electors have been deleted.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT a primary reason for the deletion of electors from the electoral roll during the Special Summary Revision?
- (a) Death
- (b) Migration
- (c) Duplicate Registration
- (d) Change of Address within the same constituency
Explanation: While a change of address might require an update, it is not a primary reason for deletion if it's within the same constituency.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
The Special Summary Revision (SIR) 2.0 focuses on which of the following aspects related to the electoral process?
- (a) Loan waivers for farmers
- (b) Updating and purifying electoral rolls
- (c) Increasing interest rates on savings accounts
- (d) Promoting digital literacy among senior citizens
Explanation: SIR 2.0 is specifically aimed at updating and purifying electoral rolls.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
Which organization is primarily responsible for conducting the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in India?
- (a) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
- (b) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
- (c) Election Commission of India (ECI)
- (d) NITI Aayog
Explanation: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections and related processes, including SIR.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
The recent Special Summary Revision (SIR) 2.0 led to elector deletions in which of the following regions?
- (a) Only states bordering Pakistan
- (b) Only Union Territories in the North East
- (c) Nine states and three Union Territories
- (d) All states and Union Territories of India
Explanation: The summary specifies that the deletions occurred across nine states and three Union Territories.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
What is the primary objective of the Election Commission of India in conducting the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
- (a) To increase the number of registered voters
- (b) To provide financial assistance to political parties
- (c) To ensure accurate and up-to-date voter lists
- (d) To promote a particular political ideology
Explanation: The Election Commission focuses on ensuring accurate and up-to-date voter lists to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.