GS2 – Polity
Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a fresh revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar, aiming to remove discrepancies and ensure accuracy.
About the Electoral Roll
- Definition:
An Electoral Roll, commonly known as the Voters’ List, includes names of all eligible electors in a constituency. - Eligibility Criteria (Article 326, Indian Constitution):
- Must be an Indian citizen,
- 18 years or older,
- An ordinary resident of the constituency,
- Not disqualified under any law.
- Preparation & Supervision:
- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are responsible for creating and updating electoral rolls.
- The Election Commission (ECI) holds constitutional authority for maintaining the integrity of the rolls.
Types of Electoral Roll Revisions (Rule 25(1), RER Act 1960)
- Intensive Revision: Complete re-preparation of the roll.
- Summary Revision: Updating and correcting existing rolls.
- Partly Intensive and Partly Summary: A hybrid approach depending on needs.
- Historical Examples:
Intensive revisions were carried out in years such as 1952–56, 1961, 1983–84, and 2002–04.
Legal & Constitutional Backing
- Section 21(3), Representation of the People Act, 1950:
Grants ECI authority to direct fresh revisions. - Article 324(1), Constitution:
Empowers ECI to conduct and supervise elections, including voter roll management. - Article 325:
Prohibits discrimination in voter enrollment based on religion, race, caste, sex, or any of them.