What are the various electoral forms?

For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance like special intensive revision (SIR)

For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Polity

Context:

The Election Commission (EC) has just concluded the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. It proposes to roll it out in other States in a phased manner.

Read about:

Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act)

Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER)

Key takeaways:

• Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) outlines the procedure for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India. Under this provision, a summary revision of electoral rolls is conducted before every general or by-election to update voter information. Additionally, the Act empowers the Election Commission (EC) to undertake a special revision of electoral rolls whenever necessary.
• By its order dated June 24, the EC decided to implement a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. Since Bihar’s Assembly elections are scheduled for November, the Commission began the process there first, designating July 1 as the qualifying date for voter eligibility.
• The SIR process in Bihar included several steps: submission of enumeration forms by all registered voters; submission of citizenship proof (for those registered after 2003); publication of draft electoral rolls; a period for claims and objections; verification and disposal of these claims by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs); and finally, the publication of the final roll.
• The process was later challenged before the Supreme Court, which, through interim orders, directed the EC to accept Aadhaar as one of the valid documents to establish identity along with the enumeration forms.
• The final electoral roll for Bihar was published on September 30. The EC now plans to expand the SIR exercise to other States in phases, in line with their respective Assembly election schedules.
• In this context, it is crucial for citizens to understand the various forms related to electoral rolls, which are provided under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER). These rules include detailed instructions for filling out each form, and a summary of these is generally made available for public reference.
• While there are differing political opinions on the SIR exercise in Bihar, maintaining accurate and updated electoral rolls remains fundamental to ensuring free and fair elections — the cornerstone of Indian democracy.
• Going forward, the EC is expected to adopt a more spaced-out schedule for similar exercises, allowing sufficient time for voter participation and minimizing procedural hurdles.
• Following the Supreme Court’s direction, Aadhaar will likely continue to be accepted as a valid identity proof in future revisions.
• Meanwhile, citizens are encouraged to check the draft electoral rolls, <