Summary
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has raised concerns with the Election Commission of India (EC) regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it has become a "harrowing and vexing experience" for voters. The KPCC alleges that the manner in which the Absent/Shifted/Dead (ASD) list, non-mapping list, and logical discrepancy list are being generated puts genuine voters at risk of exclusion. According to the KPCC, around @@60 lakh@@ existing voters are facing uncertainty due to these lists. The Congress has demanded that new enrollments under SIR be allowed until February 14, 2026. A little over @@4.8 lakh@@ applications have been filed for fresh enrollment after the EC published the draft roll.
Full Analysis
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has raised concerns with the Election Commission of India (EC) regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it has become a "harrowing and vexing experience" for voters. The KPCC alleges that the manner in which the Absent/Shifted/Dead (ASD) list, non-mapping list, and logical discrepancy list are being generated puts genuine voters at risk of exclusion. According to the KPCC, around @@60 lakh@@ existing voters are facing uncertainty due to these lists. The Congress has demanded that new enrollments under SIR be allowed until February 14, 2026. A little over @@4.8 lakh@@ applications have been filed for fresh enrollment after the EC published the draft roll.
Background Context
The process of electoral roll revision in India has evolved significantly since the first general elections in 1951-52. Initially, the focus was on creating a basic, accurate list of eligible voters. Over the decades, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced various measures to enhance the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral rolls. Key milestones include the introduction of photo electoral rolls, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The concept of special intensive revision (SIR) emerged as a targeted approach to address specific issues like demographic changes, migration, and discrepancies in voter data. The legal framework for electoral roll revision is primarily governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, which have been amended periodically to reflect evolving needs and challenges.
Current Developments
In recent years, the ECI has focused on leveraging technology to improve the accuracy and accessibility of electoral rolls. The introduction of the National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) aimed to eliminate duplicate and bogus voters. The linking of Aadhaar with voter IDs, though initially proposed, faced legal challenges and concerns regarding privacy. The ECI has also been actively promoting voter awareness and participation through various campaigns and initiatives. Looking ahead, the focus is likely to be on further streamlining the electoral roll revision process, enhancing data security, and addressing emerging challenges such as the impact of social media on electoral integrity. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis and fraud detection is also being explored.
Practice MCQs
Question 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, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
2. The Chief Election Commissioner 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 delimit constituencies and prepare electoral rolls for all elections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The ECI is a constitutional body under Article 324, responsible for elections. The CEC's removal process is similar to a Supreme Court judge. The ECI also handles delimitation and electoral roll preparation.
Question 2
Which of the following statements accurately describes the 'Absent/Shifted/Dead (ASD)' list in the context of electoral roll revision?
A) It is a list of voters who have applied for a change of address within the same constituency.
B) It is a list of voters whose names are suspected to be duplicates in the electoral roll.
C) It is a list of voters who are either absent from their registered address, have shifted to a new location, or are deceased.
D) It is a list of voters who have been identified as Persons with Disabilities (PwD) requiring special assistance during elections.
- It is a list of voters who have applied for a change of address within the same constituency.
- It is a list of voters whose names are suspected to be duplicates in the electoral roll.
- It is a list of voters who are either absent from their registered address, have shifted to a new location, or are deceased.
- It is a list of voters who have been identified as Persons with Disabilities (PwD) requiring special assistance during elections.
Explanation: The ASD list identifies voters who are absent, shifted, or deceased, which is crucial for maintaining accurate electoral rolls and preventing fraudulent voting.
Question 3
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 deals with which of the following?
1. Allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies
2. Qualification of voters
3. Disqualification for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The Representation of the People Act, 1950 primarily deals with the allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies, and the qualification of voters. Disqualification for membership is covered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
1. The ECI is responsible for preparing and maintaining the electoral rolls.
2. The ECI can extend the deadline for new enrollments in the electoral roll revision process.
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. The ECI is responsible for preparing and maintaining electoral rolls, and it has the authority to extend deadlines for enrollment.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process. How can the ECI address concerns regarding the exclusion of eligible voters during electoral roll revisions?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which body is primarily responsible for the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls in India?
- (a) Parliament of India
- (b) Ministry of Law and Justice
- (c) Election Commission of India
- (d) President of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is constitutionally mandated to prepare and maintain electoral rolls.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
According to the news report, approximately how many voters in Kerala are potentially at risk of exclusion due to flaws in the electoral roll revision?
- (a) 4.8 lakh
- (b) 10 lakh
- (c) 60 lakh
- (d) 1 crore
Explanation: The news report states that approximately 60 lakh voters are potentially at risk.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
- (a) Preparing electoral rolls
- (b) Conducting elections
- (c) Adjudicating election disputes
- (d) Delimitation of constituencies
Explanation: While the ECI conducts elections and prepares electoral rolls, election disputes are typically adjudicated by the courts.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
A political party demands an extension of the deadline for new enrollments in the electoral roll revision process. Which body has the authority to decide on this extension?
- (a) The President of India
- (b) The Parliament of India
- (c) The Election Commission of India
- (d) The Supreme Court of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India has the authority to decide on the extension of deadlines related to the electoral process.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following statements regarding the electoral roll is correct?
- (a) It is prepared by the State Government
- (b) It is a list of all residents of a constituency
- (c) It is updated only during elections
- (d) It is prepared and updated by the Election Commission of India
Explanation: The electoral roll is prepared and updated by the Election Commission of India to ensure that only eligible voters are included.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
The term 'ASD list' in the context of electoral rolls refers to:
- (a) All Service Dependents
- (b) Absent, Shifted, and Dead voters
- (c) Area Specific Demographics
- (d) Annual Statistical Data
Explanation: 'ASD list' stands for Absent, Shifted, and Dead voters, which are categories used during electoral roll revision.