UP Parties Prepare to Enrol Voters After Draft Roll Deletions
Political parties in Uttar Pradesh prepare to enroll eligible voters after draft roll deletions.
Photo by Jon Tyson
Political parties in Uttar Pradesh are preparing to enroll voters after 2.89 crore names were deleted from the draft rolls following the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav directed party leaders to conduct a thorough investigation at the booth level. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also held meetings to identify eligible voters not on the list.
The Election Commission announced that claims and objections on additions and deletions would be received from January 6 to February 6, with the final voter list scheduled for March 6. The SP is encouraging citizens to verify their details and is bringing about awareness through legal literacy initiatives. The BJP will continue to hold awareness drives.
The Congress has formed committees to run awareness drives across the State.
Key Facts
Deletion: 2.89 crore names from draft rolls
Exercise: Special intensive revision (SIR)
Dates: Jan 6 to Feb 6 - Claims and objections
Date: March 6 - Final voter list
Parties: SP, BJP, Congress
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Election process, Representation of People Act
GS Paper II: Role of Election Commission of India
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on electoral reforms
Visual Insights
More Information
Background
The process of voter registration in India has evolved significantly since the first general elections in 1951-52. Initially, registration was largely manual and relied heavily on door-to-door surveys. Over time, technological advancements have led to the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and online voter registration portals.
The Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Representation of the People Act, 1951, form the bedrock of the legal framework governing elections in India, including voter registration. The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324 of the Constitution, is responsible for conducting free and fair elections and maintaining accurate electoral rolls. The deletion of names from voter lists is a regular process aimed at removing deceased voters, those who have moved, or those with duplicate registrations.
Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) are conducted periodically to update and cleanse the electoral rolls.
Latest Developments
Recent years have witnessed increased scrutiny of electoral roll management, with concerns raised about the accuracy and inclusivity of voter lists. The introduction of Aadhaar linkage to voter IDs was proposed to address the issue of duplicate registrations, but it faced opposition due to privacy concerns. The ECI has been focusing on leveraging technology to improve voter registration and verification processes.
Initiatives like the Voter Helpline app and online portals have made it easier for citizens to register and check their details. The rise of social media has also played a role, with political parties and civil society organizations using these platforms to raise awareness about voter registration and encourage participation. Looking ahead, the ECI is expected to continue its efforts to modernize the electoral process and ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the voter lists.
The focus will likely be on addressing issues such as voter turnout, particularly among marginalized communities, and combating electoral malpractices.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution. 2. The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. 3. The ECI can recommend the removal of a Governor to the President if the Governor is found to be biased during elections. 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: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. Statement 3 is incorrect because the ECI does not have the power to recommend the removal of a Governor.
2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
- A.It provides for the actual conduct of elections in India.
- B.It deals with the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures.
- C.It specifies the powers and functions of the Election Commission.
- D.It outlines the procedure for delimitation of constituencies.
Show Answer
Answer: D
The Representation of the People Act, 1951, does not outline the procedure for delimitation of constituencies. Delimitation is carried out by the Delimitation Commission.
3. In the context of electoral roll revisions, what is the primary purpose of Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
- A.To introduce Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in all polling booths.
- B.To update and cleanse the electoral rolls by removing deceased voters, those who have moved, or those with duplicate registrations.
- C.To conduct mock polls to assess voter awareness.
- D.To train polling officers on election procedures.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The primary purpose of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is to update and cleanse the electoral rolls by removing deceased voters, those who have moved, or those with duplicate registrations.