Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has come under renewed scrutiny, following complaints from citizens who claim they are facing undue harassment during the process.
According to several residents, hearings conducted by certain Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are being handled in an inconsistent and arbitrary manner. Complainants allege that officials are seeking documents that are not part of the approved list issued by the ECI, causing confusion and distress among voters.
Some citizens have alleged that the demand for additional paperwork appears to be a deliberate attempt to discourage applicants from pursuing their claims or corrections, potentially resulting in the removal of their names from the voters’ list.
Aldona MLA Carlos Ferreira said he has received numerous complaints from constituents regarding the conduct of officials during the revision exercise. He alleged that voters are being subjected to unnecessary pressure and that the objection mechanism is being misused to target genuine electors.
Ferreira stated that many citizens have already submitted documents clearly specified by the Election Commission, yet are still being asked to produce further proof. He warned EROs to strictly comply with ECI guidelines and avoid making arbitrary demands beyond the prescribed requirements.
The MLA also expressed concern over the role of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) during the hearing process. He alleged that BLAs were present alongside Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and were influencing proceedings, which he said violates established norms. Ferreira cautioned that BLAs must not be allowed to participate in or interfere with hearings.
Further, he alleged that baseless objections are being filed under Form 7 with the intent of deleting voters’ names from the electoral roll. According to him, some BLAs from neighbouring constituencies are allegedly submitting such objections without valid justification.
Describing the practice as unlawful, Ferreira said filing false objections constitutes an offence under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. He added that he is considering filing formal complaints against those involved and may approach the courts if corrective action is not taken.
The developments have triggered concerns about the integrity and fairness of the electoral roll revision process, with calls for stricter monitoring to ensure that eligible voters are not unfairly excluded.
