SIR In Punjab: 20.66 Lakh Voters To Be Removed From The List

The first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list ahead of the upcoming elections in Punjab has been completed. Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra stated on Tuesday that 2.61 crore enumeration forms were distributed across the state. Of these, approximately 2.41 crore forms representing 90.37 percent have been received back, while about 20.66 lakh forms remain unreturned. She noted that during the verification process, 4,12,715 voters could not be traced, and 5.74 lakh voters were found to be deceased. Additionally, 1,19,145 voters were identified as duplicates, and 9,44,131 individuals had permanently relocated from Punjab.

Mitra mentioned that the votes of approximately 12 lakh voters could not be mapped, although their names currently appear on the voter list. She clarified that these unmapped voters need not panic; they can submit a claim supported by available documents. Following scrutiny and verification, their names will be retained on the voter list. Mitra stated that between August 13 and September 12, any voter who feels they have been left out of this process can file Form 6 to claim their vote; young people eligible for the first time can also register to vote.

Draft To Be Released On August 13

Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra announced that the draft voter list prepared under the SIR process will be released on August 13. This draft list will be made available to all political parties. Subsequently, for a period of about one month, voters will be able to submit claims and objections regarding their names. These claims and objections will be resolved by the respective Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).

She added that notices would be issued by the ERO to voters whose documents raise any doubts. The concerned voters will be required to appear before the ERO with their documents to undergo verification.

Camps To Be Held At The Booth Level On August 16

Anindita Mitra stated that special camps would be organized at the booth level on August 16 for the convenience of voters unable to visit the relevant offices. At these camps, voters will be able to submit their claims and objections as well as the necessary documents. She mentioned that voters would also be made aware of SIR (Special Information Record) and ‘unmapped’ voters through the Election Commission’s website. The objective is to ensure that no genuine voter’s name is left out during the process.

The Chief Electoral Officer clarified that while the names of 1.2 million (12 lakh) unmapped voters exist in the voter list, their votes have not been linked to the designated mapping. Such voters will need to submit a claim along with their documents. She emphasized that their voting rights are not at risk simply because their votes are not mapped. According to Mitra, notices will not be issued to voters who have passed away or permanently relocated elsewhere. However, cases where there is any doubt regarding a voter’s documents will be investigated in accordance with the rules.

Option For Verification Even Without Documents

Anindita Mitra stated that a voter’s case would not be closed simply because they lack the necessary documents. In such instances, a verification process involving the issuance of a notice by the ERO (Electoral Registration Officer) will be followed. If the voter is found to be genuine during verification, their name will be retained in the voter list despite the absence of documents. She reiterated that the purpose of the SIR exercise is not to remove the names of eligible voters but to make the voter list more accurate and up-to-date. New voters can also now apply to have their names included in the voter list by filling out Form 6. A Look at the Figures

Total enumeration forms distributed: 2.61 crore

Forms received back: Approx. 2.41 crore (90.37%)

Forms not returned: Approx. 20 lakh

Untraced voters: 4,12,715

Voters found deceased: 5.74 lakh

Duplicate voters: 1,19,145

Unmapped voters: Approx. 12 lakh

Draft voter list: August 13

Special camps at booth level: August 16

Final voter list: October 12

Permanently relocated: 9,44,131 people