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Three Easy Ways Activated to Respond to Voter Notices; Election Commission Issues Clear Guidelines, Special Cells Set Up at DEO Offices
Hyderabad, August 25 (PMI): The process of issuing notices and conducting inquiries under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Telangana has entered its final stage. Election Commission officials are expediting the preparation and printing of notices.
According to Election Commission guidelines, formal inquiries into voters who have been served notices will begin on August 27 and continue until September 20.
Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Sudarshan Reddy held an important video conference with District Election Officers (DEOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and issued strict and transparent guidelines to ensure that no eligible voter is removed from the electoral rolls.
The Election Commission has issued clear and binding instructions to all Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and election personnel. BLOs must deliver printed notices to voters at least 48 hours before the scheduled hearing and immediately record the details through the mobile application.
Voters can submit their certificates and supporting documents through three methods:
- Through the online portal
- Through the BLO app
- In person before the ERO/AERO during the hearing
The Election Commission has made it clear that voters must upload original documents only through the online system. Xerox copies will not be accepted.
Except for minor discrepancies in names or ages, verification of other unmapped or irregular certificates will be carried out by DEOs through the concerned government departments.
To make the inquiry process voter-friendly and transparent, the Election Commission has directed officials to conduct hearings and inquiries at local Gram Panchayat buildings or ward offices.
In both rural and urban areas, public announcements will be made through traditional drum-beating/public announcements (munadi) to inform voters about the venue and date of the hearings.
Gram and Ward Sabhas will be held across the state on August 27. During these meetings, the names included in the draft electoral rolls and the names deleted under the ASDD categories — Absent, Shifted, Dead and Duplicate — will be read out publicly.
Special arrangements have also been made to prevent voter harassment and ensure transparency. Special appeal cells have been activated at District Election Officer offices to address complaints relating to notices or hearings.
If an ERO is not satisfied with the certificates submitted by a voter, the voter will be immediately informed of the decision through Form-7.
A strict speaking order for deletion of a voter’s name will be issued only when the ERO is fully satisfied that the name should be removed from the electoral roll.
Election authorities will also verify whether the voter appeared personally at the hearing. If a voter requests additional time to provide further clarification or submit additional certificates, a final opportunity will be provided before publication of the final electoral roll. (pressmediaofindia.com)
