EC’s Special Voter Roll Revision in Bihar: Proof of Birth Now Mandatory

Voter Roll Revision Bihar Latest News

• The Election Commission has launched a special intensive revision of the electoral roll in poll-bound Bihar, requiring all voters not listed in the 2003 rolls to submit fresh documents proving their eligibility—marking the beginning of a likely nationwide exercise.

Electoral Roll (ER): A Constitutional Responsibility of the ECI

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) regards the creation, maintenance, and purification of the Electoral Roll (ER) as a core constitutional duty.
• This duty is rooted in Article 324, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER).
• The ER’s credibility is anchored in continuous updates and decades of revisions, carried out through a rule-based, transparent statutory process.

Special Summary Revision (SSR)

• SSR involves reviewing the voter list and unveiling a draft electoral roll. It is often held prior to elections.
• As per Rule 25(1) of RER 1960, there are three types of revisions:
  • Intensive Revision
  • Summary Revision
  • Partly Intensive and Partly Summary

‹ ›

EC Begins Special Revision of Electoral Rolls in Bihar

• The Election Commission (EC) has ordered a special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. 
• Voters not listed in the 2003 rolls must now submit fresh proof of eligibility.
  • The last intensive revision in Bihar was in 2003, with the qualifying date of January 1, 2003.

Proof of Birth and Parental Origin Now Mandatory

• Born Before July 1, 1987: Must provide proof of their own date and/or place of birth.
• Born Between July 1, 1987 – December 2, 2004: Must furnish proof of date/place of birth of either parent.
• Born After December 2, 2004: Must provide date/place of birth proof of both parents.
  These categories align with the Citizenship Act, 1955, according to EC sources.

Legal Basis and Historical Context

• This revision is being conducted under powers granted by the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (Section 21), which allows the EC to prepare electoral rolls afresh. 
• The Commission has invoked this power 13 times before, between 1952 and 2004.

Process

• Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house surveys, distribute pre-filled enumeration forms, and collect them with supporting documents. 
• Forms can also be submitted via the ECINET app or ECI website.
• Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) verify voter eligibility under Section 23 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. 
  • If any claims or objections arise, the AERO will investigate before final approval. 
• Under Section 24, appeals against ERO decisions can be made to the District Magistrate or Chief Electoral Officer.

Need for intensive revision

• The last intensive revision in Bihar was done in 2003. 
• Due to rapid urbanisation, migration, new eligible voters, unreported deaths, and inclusion of foreign illegal immigrants, the EC has now ordered a fresh revision to ensure accurate and error-free electoral rolls.

EC Revises Protocol for Handling EVMs and VVPATs with Mock Poll Data

• Earlier, EVMs and VVPATs where mock poll data wasn’t deleted or slips weren’t removed were set aside and not counted—but only if the margin of victory exceeded the number of such votes. 
• This led to discrepancies between total votes polled and counted.

New Instructions: Count All Machines Separately

• The Election Commission has now directed that such machines must be counted on a separate table, not discarded.
  • Mock poll votes will be subtracted using the mock poll certificate.
  • This ensures a more accurate final count and greater transparency.

Accountability Measures for Poll Officials

• Strict action will be taken against the Presiding Officer and Polling Officer if:
  • Mock poll data is not erased from the EVM control unit, or
  • VVPAT slips from the mock poll are not removed.
• These officials will face disciplinary action, reinforcing the need for compliance and care during polling procedures.

Source: IE | PIB | ECI