Over 6 Cr. Names Deleted So Far In Third Phase Of SIR, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Over 6 crore names have been deleted from the voters’ registry in the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
• This phase covered 16 States and three Union Territories, with draft rolls published for most, except Nagaland and Tripura.
• The deletions represent 17.04% of the 36.08 crore names initially on the electoral rolls in these regions.
• Delhi recorded the highest percentage of deletions at 32.78%, while Maharashtra had the highest absolute number with 2.06 crore names removed.
• The Election Commission (EC) provides a window for claims and objections before the final rolls are published, starting September 6.
• Karnataka and Telangana Chief Ministers have raised concerns regarding the "massive and unjustified" deletions and urged the EC to extend the claims and objections period.
• The Supreme Court previously upheld the constitutional validity of the SIR process in March.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to verify and update electoral rolls, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• It aims to remove duplicate entries, deceased voters, migrated persons, and other ineligible entries, while including all eligible citizens.
• The SIR is authorized under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• This process involves house-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to validate voter identity and address.
• The current SIR is significant as it is the first nationwide revision of this scale in over two decades, addressing rapid urbanization and migration.
• The Supreme Court has clarified that SIR data is solely for electoral roll revision and cannot be used to deny welfare benefits or determine citizenship.
• The ECI is responsible for preparing and periodically revising electoral rolls to ensure free and fair elections.
• The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, provide the procedural framework for electoral roll management.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A large-scale, comprehensive exercise by the Election Commission of India to verify, update, and purify electoral rolls.
• Electoral Rolls: Official lists of individuals eligible to vote in a given election within a specific jurisdiction.
• Election Commission of India (ECI): A permanent, independent constitutional body established under Article 324 to superintend, direct, and control elections.
• Representation of the People Act, 1950: A parliamentary law that deals with the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.