Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati
Guwahati, Feb 18: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday said the objective behind conducting the Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Assam was to include eligible voters and exclude ineligible ones.
Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Kumar said that while 12 states underwent a Special Intensive Revision, the Election Commission of India carried out only a Special Revision in Assam, keeping in mind that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise is in its final stage.
Responding to allegations by opposition parties regarding manipulation of the voters’ list, the CEC said any eligible voter whose name was omitted has two options for inclusion.
“One is to fill out Form-6. If the person is still found ineligible, he or she can file an appeal before the District Magistrate. I am happy to inform you that only 500 appeals have been received across districts so far. This means our BLOs, AEROs and EROs have done a good job,” Kumar said.
Announcing new initiatives, he said Assam would witness 100 per cent webcasting at polling stations for the first time.
He added that the maximum number of voters per polling station would be capped at 1,200 to ensure ease of voting.
“Voters will be allowed to carry their mobile phones up to the door of the polling station. They can deposit their phones there and proceed to vote. This was a long-standing demand, and the Commission has decided to provide this facility,” Kumar said.
He assured that minimum facilities at polling stations would include drinking water, toilets, proper signage and ramp or wheelchair access for persons with disabilities.
Noting that the month-long Rongali Bihu is celebrated from mid-April, the CEC said the Commission would finalise the election schedule keeping the festival in mind. He added that the number of poll phases would be decided after considering various factors, assuring that decisions would prioritise voter convenience.
During a review of poll preparedness, the Commission instructed all election-related officials to enforce the rule of law strictly and without fear or favour, and to make polling stations festive and welcoming to ensure a pleasant voting experience.
Assam has a total of 2,49,58,139 voters — comprising 1,24,82,213 males, 1,24,75,583 females and 343 third gender voters. Among them, 2,03,709 are persons with disabilities (PwDs) and 2,586 are centenarians.
The state has 31,486 polling stations, including 27,711 in rural areas and 3,775 in urban areas.