Delhi CEO Pledges Special Consideration for Demolished Households in Voter List Update
Ahead of a month-long door-to-door revision of electoral rolls in Delhi, Chief Electoral Officer Alok Kumar announced on Monday that eligible voters whose homes have been demolished will be treated as 'special cases'. The matter will be discussed with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure their voting rights are not compromised.
Starting June 30, more than 13,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits across the capital to distribute enumeration forms. Electors must fill out these forms with details as per the last Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This phase concludes on July 29.
Kumar highlighted a challenge: 'Those whose houses have been demolished will not be at their given address. When the BLO goes there, they will find an empty ground. So how will he give an enumeration form? If the elector fills the form online, how will the verification take place? If a filled enumeration form is not collected, then their names will not appear in the draft electoral roll.'
The CEO assured that the electoral machinery is committed to finding a solution. 'We will consult the ECI and devise a mechanism to include such voters. No eligible citizen should lose their voting right due to demolition.'
The development comes amid concerns over large-scale demolitions in Delhi, affecting many residents. The ECI's final decision will impact voter registration for upcoming elections.
