SIR Voter List Hearing: Big Scrutiny on Voter Cards in State! Notices Being Sent to 32 Lakh People

SIR Voter List Hearing: Is your name safe in the state’s voter list? Or has your identity silently slipped into the cancellation list without your knowledge? A cloud of apprehension is currently hovering over voters across the state. According to sources from the Election Commission, the body is unwilling to tolerate even the slightest laxity in the voter list revision work. The process of sending letters or notices for hearings to approximately 32 lakh voters across the state has already begun.

This mega hearing process is scheduled to start from December 27. Although the notices were initially supposed to be dispatched from December 17, the process was slightly delayed due to administrative reasons and started in full swing from Saturday. Sources from the CEO office indicate that this verification process will be conducted very strictly to ensure that no fake voters find a place in the list and no genuine citizen’s name is deleted.

Strict Surveillance by Micro Observers

The Election Commission has taken unprecedented steps this time to maintain the transparency of the voter list. About 3,500 Micro Observers are being appointed to monitor the hearing process. These observers are primarily high-ranking officials from central government departments. Officials have been selected from organizations like Railways, Banks, Coal India, and DVC.

Special training has been arranged for these Micro Observers at Nazrul Mancha on December 24. On average, there will be 11 observers in each assembly constituency. Their main task will be to keep a sharp watch on the work of EROs and AEROs and to prepare reports on the daily hearings.

Why Are Notices Being Sent?

You might wonder, why are you being called for a hearing again despite your name being in the draft list? According to Commission data, notices are being sent primarily for three main reasons:

• Mapping Issues: Voters are being summoned if a match or ‘mapping’ is not found between the data of the old 2002 voter list and current information.
• Data Discrepancies: If there are errors or inconsistencies in the information provided in the voter form.
• Gender Identity Issues: If there is a gender mismatch or suspicion regarding gender-related information.

It has also been learned from Commission sources that notices are currently being sent in English. However, the state CEO office has appealed to Delhi to allow notices to be sent in regional languages for the convenience of the common people.

Documents Required for Hearing

If you have received a hearing notice, do not panic. Instead, carry any one of the 13 documents listed below and appear on the scheduled date. The list of necessary documents is as follows:

• Passport.
• Driving License.
• Photo Identity Card issued by Central or State Government or PSU.
• Bank or Post Office Passbook (with photograph).
• PAN Card.
• Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR.
• MNREGA Job Card.
• Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the Ministry of Labour.
• Pension Payment Order (with photograph).
• Official Identity Card issued to MPs or MLAs.
• Disability Certificate (UDID Card).
• Land Deed or Record (if required).
• Aadhaar Card (as an identity only).

Special Provisions and Rules

Considering the humanitarian aspect, the Commission has also kept some relaxations. If a voter cannot appear for the hearing on the scheduled day and can show a valid reason, they will be given a ‘Grace Period’ or extra time. On the other hand, for senior citizens above 85 years of age, the Commission has proposed to conduct hearings or verification at their homes so that they do not face any physical hardship.

The Commission’s proactive stance to make the voter list error-free is indeed commendable. Therefore, if you receive a notice, it would be wise not to ignore it and to contact the authorities with the specified documents.