Phase 1 of Bihar SIR ends, 6.5 mn voter names might be excluded
The first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls concluded on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the process of updating the state’s voter list. As the draft voter list is set to be released on August 1, concerns have been raised about the fate of nearly 6.5 million names, which might be excluded from the list due to various reasons.
According to reports, the reasons for exclusion include death, duplication, migration, or non-submission of forms. This means that over 8% of Bihar’s current electorate, which stands at over 7.89 crore voters, might be left out of the draft list.
The SIR exercise is a crucial process to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the electoral rolls. The exercise, which began on June 15, aimed to identify and remove duplicate entries, dead voters, and individuals who have shifted their residency to another location.
The Bihar State Election Commission (BSEC) has been working tirelessly to complete the first phase of the SIR, which involved verification of existing electoral rolls and collection of fresh applications from eligible voters. The exercise has been carried out in collaboration with various government departments, including the National Population Register (NPR) and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
The BSEC has been using advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, to verify the authenticity of voter applications and identify potential duplicate entries. Additionally, the commission has also been conducting door-to-door verification to ensure that all eligible voters are included in the electoral rolls.
The SIR exercise is a crucial step towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in Bihar. The state has a reputation for having one of the largest electorates in the country, and the SIR exercise is aimed at ensuring that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date.
The exclusion of nearly 6.5 million names from the draft list is a significant concern, as it could impact the voting rights of many citizens. The BSEC has assured that all eligible voters who are excluded from the draft list will be given an opportunity to appeal and prove their eligibility to vote.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the quality of voter rolls in Bihar. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, over 1.5 lakh voters were excluded from the electoral rolls, while over 1.2 lakh voters were added to the rolls. The SIR exercise is aimed at addressing these concerns and ensuring that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date.
The release of the draft voter list on August 1 will be a crucial milestone in the SIR exercise. The list will be available for public inspection, and citizens will have the opportunity to verify their names and report any errors or discrepancies.
In conclusion, the first phase of the SIR exercise in Bihar has concluded, and the draft voter list is set to be released on August 1. The exercise has identified nearly 6.5 million names that might be excluded from the list, which is a significant concern. However, the BSEC has assured that all eligible voters who are excluded will be given an opportunity to appeal and prove their eligibility to vote. The SIR exercise is a crucial step towards ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in Bihar, and its successful completion will pave the way for free and fair elections in the state.
