Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 27: In a major relief to voters who have been issued notices during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed booth level officers (BLOs) to visit their homes to collect the required documents.

This significant decision was taken during a meeting of the election commission held in New Delhi. Following the collection of necessary documents at the voters' doorsteps, the BLOs will upload them directly onto the ECINet platform.

The commission clarified that voters who received SIR notices will no longer be routinely summoned for hearings before the electoral registration officer (ERO). Hearings will now be conducted only in rare and highly exceptional circumstances.

Furthermore, the commission stated that whenever a hearing is deemed necessary, priority will be given to conducting it online. In cases where physical representation is required, voters are permitted to authorise any adult family member to appear on their behalf.

The EC noted that the SIR process has already been completed across 20 states and union territories, including Bihar and West Bengal.

If a voter's name has been removed from the electoral roll during the SIR process, they can submit an application to the concerned ERO to have their name reinstated. To facilitate this, the commission has instructed the chief electoral officer (CEO), district election officers (DEO), and EROs to immediately launch a special drive to register eligible voters whose names were deleted.

District election officers have also been directed to establish a sufficient number of help desks. Additionally, special camps will be organised to assist vulnerable sections of society, including those living in night shelters, labourers, the impoverished, and the homeless.