ECI to Launch Intensive House-to-House Verification Ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections: Strengthening Electoral Rolls for Accuracy and Transparency
ECI Contemplates Door-to-Door Electoral Roll Verification in Bihar
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the credibility and accuracy of the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering an intensive house-to-house verification during the revision of electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections. This is expected to be one of the most comprehensive voter verification initiatives since the last such effort undertaken in 2004.
Addressing Long-Standing Concerns Over Voter Data Accuracy
Over the years, various civil society groups, political stakeholders, and electoral observers have raised concerns about the inclusion of ineligible names and the deletion of legitimate voters from electoral rolls. The proposed exercise aims to eliminate duplicate, erroneous, or outdated entries, while ensuring that genuine voters are not left out.
The ECI has consistently reiterated its commitment to a clean and inclusive voter list, ensuring only eligible Indian citizens are registered to vote.
Legal and Constitutional Framework Behind Electoral Roll Maintenance
The exercise is rooted in the constitutional and statutory mandate governing electoral registration. According to Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, every Indian citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote, subject to certain qualifications. Additionally, Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 outlines specific disqualifications for voter registration.
Thus, the ECI’s actions are aligned with existing legal frameworks that empower it to maintain updated, error-free electoral rolls.
Why Constant Revision Is Necessary
Several factors necessitate periodic updates to electoral rolls:
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Migration: Inter-state and intra-state migration due to jobs, education, marriage, and family reasons is constant.
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Young Voters: Continuous addition of new voters turning 18 every year.
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Deceased Voters: Deletion of names of deceased individuals, which often goes unreported by families.
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Corrections & Replacements: Routine changes in names, addresses, photographs, and other voter details.
For instance, in 2024 alone, the ECI processed:
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46.26 lakh residential shifts
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2.32 crore correction applications
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33.16 lakh requests for replacement
This totals over 3.15 crore updates, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Indian electorate.
Polling Station Rationalisation and Accessibility Goals
The ECI is also working on rationalising polling stations based on the new limit of 1200 electors per polling station, reduced from the previous cap of 1500. The Commission is committed to ensuring no voter has to travel more than 2 kilometers to reach their designated polling booth.
In areas of high density or geographic difficulty, this revision could also lead to the creation of new polling booths and redrawing of polling station boundaries to ensure greater voter accessibility.
Illegal Immigrants and Electoral Integrity
The revision exercise will also focus on identifying and deleting names of foreign illegal immigrants erroneously included in the electoral rolls. This step is crucial in safeguarding the integrity of India’s electoral process and preventing non-citizens from influencing democratic outcomes.
Transparency, Political Scrutiny, and Due Process
The ECI clarified that the entire revision process is carried out under established rules and in full view of political parties and stakeholders. Parties are given sufficient opportunity to file claims, objections, and appeals during the draft roll phase. Final rolls are only published after resolving all objections.
Despite the transparent process, the ECI has faced criticism and allegations of manipulating voter lists. The Commission has dismissed these as baseless, emphasizing that every stage of electoral roll management is subject to legal and public scrutiny.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Electoral Confidence
The Election Commission’s decision to consider a house-to-house verification drive in Bihar ahead of the polls is a positive and much-needed move. It reflects a proactive effort to clean up electoral rolls, restore public trust, and ensure inclusive and error-free elections.
With over 90 crore registered voters in India, maintaining accuracy is a mammoth task. However, such intensive verification exercises can help restore confidence in democratic processes, especially in politically sensitive states like Bihar.
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