Bengal: EC Notices Electors with Over Six Siblings
Election Commission issues notices in Bengal to electors with over six siblings.
Photo by Chad Stembridge
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Election Commission, electoral reforms
Link to Constitutional provisions related to elections (Article 324)
Potential for questions on electoral roll management and reforms
Visual Insights
Bengal: Districts with Electoral Roll Verification
Map showing the districts in West Bengal where the Election Commission is verifying electoral rolls due to electors with over six siblings. This highlights areas where demographic anomalies are being addressed.
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More Information
Background
The practice of electoral roll verification and purification has deep roots in the history of democratic elections. While the specific methods and technologies have evolved significantly, the underlying principle of ensuring an accurate and representative voter list has been a constant concern. Early electoral systems often relied on manual processes and community knowledge to identify eligible voters, which were susceptible to errors and biases.
The introduction of photo identification, computerized databases, and door-to-door verification campaigns marked significant milestones in improving the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently strived to enhance the robustness of the electoral process, adapting to emerging challenges and leveraging technological advancements to maintain the sanctity of the ballot.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Election Commission has focused on leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of electoral roll management. The introduction of the National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) aimed to link Aadhaar numbers with voter IDs to eliminate duplicate entries and address demographic anomalies. While the linking of Aadhaar with voter ID remains voluntary, the EC continues to encourage citizens to do so for better electoral roll management.
Furthermore, the EC has been actively promoting voter awareness and participation through various outreach programs, particularly targeting first-time voters and marginalized communities. The future outlook involves greater use of data analytics and artificial intelligence to identify potential irregularities and improve the overall integrity of the electoral process.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures only. 2. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) can be removed from office only through a process of impeachment similar to that of a judge of the Supreme Court. 3. The ECI has the power to disqualify candidates who fail to lodge accounts of their election expenses within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect because the ECI also conducts elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President. Statement 2 is correct as per Article 324(5). Statement 3 is correct as per Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
2. Which of the following measures can be undertaken to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls in India? 1. Linking Aadhaar numbers with voter IDs. 2. Conducting regular door-to-door verification campaigns. 3. Implementing a system of mandatory voter registration. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 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 measures can contribute to improving the accuracy of electoral rolls. Linking Aadhaar helps eliminate duplicate entries. Door-to-door verification identifies ineligible voters. Mandatory registration ensures all eligible citizens are included.
3. Assertion (A): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has the authority to issue notices to electors based on demographic anomalies. Reason (R): The ECI is mandated to maintain accurate and updated electoral rolls to ensure free and fair elections. In the context of the above, 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
The ECI's authority to issue notices stems directly from its mandate to maintain accurate electoral rolls. Demographic anomalies can indicate potential irregularities, justifying the issuance of notices.
Source Articles
Bengal SIR: EC notices to electors flagged for having over 6 ‘siblings’ | India News - The Indian Express
‘Unmapped’ by Software, Present on Paper: West Bengal Pauses Hearings for 31 Lakh Voters After Tech Glitch Surfaces
In Bengal SIR, local officials flag fear of ‘system-driven’ large-scale voter deletions; EROs being bypassed | India News - The Indian Express
Bengal SIR 2.0: AEROs flag ‘informal orders on WhatsApp’ ‘impossible workload’ write to CEO | Kolkata News - The Indian Express
SIR hearing in Bengal today. You will need these documents to update your details in 2026 electoral roll | India News - The Indian Express