UP Electoral Rolls: Muslim-Density Areas Show Similar Voter Deletions
UP voter roll revisions show similar deletion rates in Muslim-majority areas.
Photo by Ian Talmacs
Key Facts
Voter deletion rates: Similar across UP
Focus: Muslim-density areas
Data source: Electoral roll drafts
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Election Commission, Representation of People Act
Connects to syllabus topics on electoral reforms, voter participation, and democratic processes
Potential question types: Statement-based questions on electoral roll revision process, analytical questions on inclusivity and fairness
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Background
The evolution of electoral rolls in India is deeply intertwined with the nation's democratic journey. Initially, voter registration was limited and often exclusionary. The Representation of the People Act of 1950 laid the foundation for a more systematic approach, defining eligibility criteria and establishing the Election Commission's role.
Over the decades, reforms aimed to enhance inclusivity and accuracy. The introduction of photo electoral rolls, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and voter ID cards marked significant milestones. The Aadhaar linkage, though debated, was intended to further refine the process and eliminate duplicate entries.
The ongoing challenge remains balancing efficiency with ensuring no eligible voter is disenfranchised, especially among marginalized communities.
Latest Developments
Recent years have witnessed increased scrutiny of voter list accuracy, driven by concerns about potential manipulation and disenfranchisement. Civil society organizations and political parties have actively monitored the electoral roll revision process, raising concerns about deletions and additions. The Election Commission has emphasized its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, implementing measures to address grievances and ensure fair representation.
The use of technology, such as mobile apps and online portals, has facilitated voter registration and verification. Looking ahead, the focus is likely to intensify on leveraging data analytics to identify and rectify discrepancies in electoral rolls while safeguarding voter privacy and preventing misuse of information.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in India: 1. SIR is conducted annually by the Election Commission of India. 2. The primary objective of SIR is to update the electoral rolls by adding new eligible voters and removing ineligible ones. 3. During SIR, citizens can file objections and claims related to the electoral roll. 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
All three statements are correct. SIR is an annual exercise by the ECI to update electoral rolls, add new voters, remove ineligible voters, and allow citizens to file objections and claims.
2. Which of the following constitutional articles empowers the Election Commission of India to supervise and control the preparation of electoral rolls?
- A.Article 320
- B.Article 324
- C.Article 329
- D.Article 330
Show Answer
Answer: B
Article 324 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Election Commission of India to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls for all elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President.
3. Assertion (A): Deletion of voters from electoral rolls is sometimes necessary to maintain accuracy. Reason (R): Deceased voters, those who have migrated, or those with duplicate registrations need to be removed from the electoral rolls. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why deletion of voters is necessary for maintaining accuracy in electoral rolls.