Linguistic Diversity Poses Challenge as Hyderabad Voter Forms Go Telugu-Only

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across India is entering a critical phase in Hyderabad, with enumeration forms set to be distributed from June 25. However, the decision to print these forms exclusively in Telugu across Telangana has raised concerns about inclusivity in one of India's most linguistically diverse urban centres.

Hyderabad district, which forms the core of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area, is home to a population where Telugu speakers are not a majority. According to the 2011 Census, only about 46% of the population speaks Telugu as their mother tongue. Urdu speakers account for nearly 43%, while significant numbers of residents speak Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and other languages. The subsequent decade has seen a further influx of people from various states, driven by the growth of the information technology and related sectors, altering the city's cultural composition even more.

This linguistic diversity means that a Telugu-only form may be inaccessible to a large segment of the city's population. Officials point out that even among younger Telugu-native individuals, many are unable to read and write in the language as it has not been part of their formal education. The situation poses a challenge for the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) tasked with collecting and verifying voter information. Moreover, in cases where migrant voters from states like Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, or Gujarat had their details recorded in their native languages during the 2002 SIR, the current process could face additional hurdles.

Local political representatives have taken note of the issue. Hyderabad Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi recently wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana, requesting that the forms be made available in English and Urdu as well, to ensure equitable access. During a meeting on Wednesday, representatives from multiple political parties reached a consensus with District Election Officer and GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan that the forms should be printed in English. They collectively raised the matter, highlighting the practical difficulties BLOs might encounter.

According to a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity, a request was already sent to the Election Commission of India (ECI) about a week ago, seeking permission to print the forms in English in addition to Telugu. However, no response has been received so far. Meanwhile, the printing of Telugu forms commenced around June 15, as the printed materials must reach the BLOs at least two days before the distribution begins.

The SIR exercise is a door-to-door verification process aimed at cleaning and updating electoral rolls ahead of future elections. It is designed to be conducted from the ground up, with BLOs visiting each household to collect and verify details. The success of such an exercise hinges on clear communication and the ability of citizens to understand and provide accurate information. If a significant portion of the population cannot read the form, the risk of errors, omissions, or disenfranchisement increases.

The Election Commission of India has previously emphasised the need for inclusive electoral practices. In multilingual regions, it has often provided forms in multiple languages to accommodate diverse populations. The situation in Hyderabad underscores the tension between administrative convenience and democratic inclusivity. While printing forms in the official state language is standard practice, the unique demographic profile of Hyderabad may warrant an exception.

With the distribution date fast approaching, the lack of a decision from the ECI leaves the implementing authorities in a bind. If the forms remain in Telugu alone, it could lead to exclusion of many eligible voters, contrary to the very purpose of the revision. On the other hand, a last-minute change could disrupt the printing schedule and delay the process. Observers note that a balanced approach—printing additional forms in English and Urdu, even if in smaller quantities—could mitigate the concerns without derailing the timeline.

The SIR process is mandated by the Election Commission to ensure that every eligible citizen is enrolled, and that duplicates, dead voters, and discrepancies are removed. In a city where nearly half the population does not use Telugu as a first language, accessibility becomes a cornerstone of electoral integrity. The debate also reflects broader conversations about language policy in India, where the tension between unitary administration and multicultural reality often surfaces.

As the city prepares for this crucial electoral update, the language question remains unresolved, highlighting the challenges of governance in a rapidly changing urban landscape. The coming days will reveal whether the ECI heeds the call for multilingual forms to uphold the principle of universal adult franchise.