​Keep it simple: on Special Intensive Revision of Bihar's electoral rolls

The Hindu

5 days ago

The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar, while touted as a smooth process with significant form submissions, is riddled with contradictions and poses a serious threat to voter enfranchisement. Despite claims of progress, with over 11% of the estimated electorate submitting forms, conflicting statements from the ECI highlight deep-seated issues. Initially, the CEO, Bihar, through advertisements, suggested a lenient approach towards electors who did not have the stipulated 11 documents. They were told that they could submit enumeration forms to booth-level officers and provide documents later, or even get verified without mandatory documents, with verification through local investigations by Electoral Registration Officers. However, the CEC clarified that earlier orders mandating document submission by July 25, 2025, stand, with a claims and objections period from August 1 to September 1 for those who fail to comply. This shift in stance and reliance on local-level investigations for verification present inherent problems. Leaving verification to the discretion of local electoral officers increases the possibility of misuse and bias. Such an ad hoc approach risks wrongful inclusions or exclusions, undermining the integrity of the electoral roll.
Instead, the ECI should adopt a more pragmatic and robust approach by accepting more universally available identity documents such as Aadhaar, ration cards, and MGNREGA job cards. The ubiquity of Aadhaar, and its mandatory requirement for numerous government services, makes it an ideal proof of identity. Similarly, ration cards and MGNREGA job cards are widely held, particularly among agrarian populations, as they are central to India's welfare initiatives. Bihar's historical challenges in birth registration, school enrolment, and broader documentation mean that a significant number of genuine electors may lack any of the 11 indicative documents. The onus is on the state and its institutions, including the ECI, to facilitate their participation. The current rigid documentary requirements place an undue burden on voters, especially the marginalised and underprivileged, who already face significant hurdles in engaging with bureaucracy, and risks widespread disenfranchisement. The current Bihar exercise seems to be treating every voter as a potential non-citizen unless proven otherwise. To uphold the principle of universal adult franchise and prevent large-scale exclusion, the ECI must urgently reconsider its SIR even as the Supreme Court is due to hear petitions challenging this exercise. The ECI should immediately broaden the acceptable forms of identification, ensuring that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote.