What are the various electoral forms?, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission (EC) recently concluded a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and plans a phased rollout in other states.
• Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 governs the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
• The SIR process in Bihar involved submission of enumeration forms, document verification, and publication of draft electoral rolls.
• The Supreme Court directed the EC to accept Aadhaar as proof of identity during the SIR process.

Detailed Insights:

• Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is authorized by the RP Act and can be conducted by the EC at any time, especially before elections.
• The EC's order on June 24 initiated the SIR for the entire country, with Bihar's revision preceding its Assembly elections in November.
• The SIR process includes multiple steps: form submission, document verification for electors registered after 2003, draft roll publication, and resolution of claims.
• Citizens should verify draft rolls, complete enumeration forms, and new voters/migrants should fill relevant forms to ensure clean electoral rolls.
• Political parties and civil society should aid marginalized sections in participating in the SIR process to uphold every citizen's right to vote.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Electoral Roll: A list of persons eligible to vote in an election.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A comprehensive review of electoral rolls conducted by the EC.
• Representation of the People Act, 1950: Legislation governing the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India.