Maharashtra Poll Chief S Chockalingam Seeks More Powers For Local Staff In SIR, ECINET Changes: Report

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has requested expanded powers for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) as they handle notices in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Chockalingam has written to the Election Commission, proposing four changes to ECINET, the Commission's software system.

These changes include granting EROs more discretion in handling cases of logical discrepancies, which occur when the system detects a mismatch between a voter's details and those of a parent or grandparent in the previous SIR roll. Logical discrepancies, while not automatically disqualifying someone from voting, can involve variations in names, surnames, or ages.

Chockalingam also seeks permission for EROs to decide such cases after reviewing documents and conducting a hearing, rather than adhering to limited options within the software. Additionally, he proposes allowing voters to submit documents other than those specified in the EC's list when appropriate, particularly to ease the process for vulnerable groups and those lacking required documentation.

Following Chockalingam's request, the Election Commission announced alterations to the SIR notice process. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will now visit the homes of voters receiving notices due to unmapped status or logical discrepancies, collect necessary documents, and upload them on ECINET. These voters will not typically need to appear in person before an ERO or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer, with hearings only held in exceptional circumstances, ideally online.

The Commission has also formed a committee, led by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT, to review ECINET and assess its compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Maharashtra's SIR notice phase is currently underway, with a draft electoral roll published on August 31.

Approximately 2.07 crore electors were left out of the draft due to various reasons such as shifting, absence, or duplicate entries. While these are not final deletions, eligible voters can still seek inclusion. The deadline for filing claims and objections has been extended to October 12, while the deadline for disposing of notices has been extended to November 10.