Rajasthan Assembly: Uproar Over Alleged Voter Roll Irregularities
Rajasthan Assembly sees heated debate over voter roll irregularities; adjournment follows.
Photo by Ian Talmacs
Key Facts
Issue: Alleged irregularities in voter roll revision
Claim: Misuse of Form-7 for voter deletion
Event: Assembly adjourned after heated exchanges
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Representation of People's Act, Election Commission
GS Paper 2: Issues related to electoral reforms and functioning of the Parliament
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, linking current events to constitutional provisions
Visual Insights
Location of Rajasthan Assembly
This map highlights the location of the Rajasthan Assembly in Jaipur, where the uproar over voter roll irregularities occurred.
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More Information
Background
The process of electoral roll revision in India has evolved significantly since the first general elections in 1951-52. Initially, voter registration was largely dependent on door-to-door surveys conducted by government officials. Over time, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced various measures to enhance the accuracy and inclusivity of electoral rolls.
The introduction of photo electoral rolls in the 1990s was a major step towards curbing impersonation and ensuring voter identification. The use of technology, such as online registration portals and mobile apps, has further streamlined the process, making it easier for citizens to enroll and update their details. The concept of 'special intensive revision' (SIR) is a periodic exercise undertaken by the ECI to update and cleanse the electoral rolls, addressing issues like deceased voters, migration, and inaccuracies in voter details.
This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has focused on leveraging technology to improve the efficiency and transparency of electoral roll management. The introduction of the Electoral Registration Officer Net (ERONet) system has enabled online data entry and verification, reducing errors and delays. The ECI has also been actively promoting voter awareness and education programs to encourage greater participation in the electoral process.
The use of social media and digital platforms has been instrumental in reaching out to young and first-time voters. Furthermore, the ECI has been working closely with state election commissions to address specific challenges and issues related to electoral roll irregularities at the local level. The focus is on strengthening the grievance redressal mechanisms and ensuring that all complaints related to voter registration and deletion are promptly addressed.
The Aadhar-Voter ID linking is also being promoted to remove duplicate voters. Looking ahead, the ECI is likely to continue to adopt innovative technologies and strategies to further enhance the accuracy, inclusivity, and credibility of the electoral rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Form-7 and why is its alleged misuse significant in the Rajasthan Assembly uproar?
Form-7, as per the topic, is related to the deletion of names from the electoral roll. The alleged misuse, specifically in the context of the Rajasthan Assembly, is significant because it raises concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the voter list, potentially disenfranchising eligible voters.
2. For UPSC Prelims, what are the key facts to remember regarding the Rajasthan Assembly incident?
Key facts for Prelims include: the issue of alleged irregularities in voter roll revision, the claim of misuse of Form-7 for voter deletion, the adjournment of the Assembly after heated exchanges, and the names of key personalities involved like Zakir Hussain Gesawat.
3. Why is the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls important, and what could be the implications of irregularities?
The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is crucial for ensuring an accurate and up-to-date voter list. Irregularities can lead to eligible voters being excluded, impacting the fairness and representativeness of elections. This can erode public trust in the electoral process.
4. What is the significance of the 'Zero Hour' in the context of the Rajasthan Assembly proceedings?
The 'Zero Hour' is a period in the parliamentary/assembly proceedings where members can raise issues of urgent public importance. In this case, the disruption occurred during the Zero Hour, highlighting the urgency and importance the Congress members attached to the alleged voter roll irregularities.
5. How might the alleged voter roll irregularities in Rajasthan impact common citizens, and what steps can be taken to address these concerns?
If voter roll irregularities lead to eligible voters being wrongly deleted, it can disenfranchise them, preventing them from exercising their right to vote. To address these concerns, a thorough and impartial investigation is needed, along with measures to ensure transparency and accuracy in the electoral roll revision process.
6. Why is this news about alleged voter roll irregularities in Rajasthan in the news recently?
This news is current because the Rajasthan Assembly is actively addressing the issue during its sessions. The allegations raised by opposition members regarding the misuse of Form-7 and the subsequent adjournment of the Assembly have brought the matter to public attention.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the electoral process in India, consider the following statements: 1. Form-7 is used for objection to inclusion of name in electoral roll. 2. Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is conducted only before general elections. 3. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established under Article 320 of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.None
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Form-7 is used for objecting to proposed inclusions or seeking deletion of names from the electoral roll, not for objecting to inclusion. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is conducted periodically, not just before general elections, to keep the rolls updated. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is established under Article 324, not Article 320, of the Constitution.
2. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)? A) The ERO is responsible for conducting elections at the state level. B) The ERO is responsible for preparing and maintaining the electoral rolls for a constituency. C) The ERO is appointed by the Supreme Court of India. D) The ERO is responsible for adjudicating election disputes.
- A.The ERO is responsible for conducting elections at the state level.
- B.The ERO is responsible for preparing and maintaining the electoral rolls for a constituency.
- C.The ERO is appointed by the Supreme Court of India.
- D.The ERO is responsible for adjudicating election disputes.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is primarily responsible for preparing and maintaining the electoral rolls for a constituency. This includes adding new voters, deleting names of deceased or ineligible voters, and updating voter details. Option A is incorrect as conducting elections is the responsibility of the Election Commission. Options C and D are incorrect as the ERO is appointed by the Election Commission and does not adjudicate election disputes.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the Representation of the People Act, 1950: 1. It provides for the allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. 2. It lays down the procedure for preparing and revising electoral rolls. 3. It empowers the Election Commission to disqualify candidates found guilty of corrupt practices. 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 Representation of the People Act, 1950, deals with the allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies, as well as the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. Statement 3 is incorrect. The power to disqualify candidates found guilty of corrupt practices rests with the President of India, acting on the opinion of the Election Commission, as per Article 103 and 192 of the Constitution, read with the Representation of the People Act, 1951.