Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 18: A special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Karnataka will be carried out on the lines of the Bihar model. As per this, all voters in the state will be covered under the SIR campaign, the Karnataka Election Commission informed. Once the notification is issued by the Election Commission of India, all voters in the state will come under the revision exercise.

According to officials, voter ID cards, electoral rolls, and polling stations will undergo changes in line with the Election Commission’s directives. The Karnataka Election Commission has already completed training for district-level officers, while training for other officers and staff will be completed by September 25. Currently, there are 5.40 crore voters in the state. In 2002, the number of voters stood at 3.40 crore, when a similar revision was conducted but without digitisation. This time, the process will be fully digitised, officials said.

SIR to begin after notification
The SIR process will commence immediately after the notification from the Election Commission of India.

Why the SIR?
The revision is aimed at preventing bogus voting and ensuring that no eligible voter is deprived of their right to vote. Camps will be held at the booth level to facilitate the revision.

How the process will be carried out

1. Booth-level officers (BLOs) will visit households.

2. Information will be collected in duplicate using QR code-based forms.

3. One copy signed by the officer will be given to the voter.

4. If no one is present at home, the BLO will visit three times.

5. Neighbours’ help will be sought if households remain uncontactable.

Responsibilities of voters

1. Provide a clear photograph if the one on the voter ID card is not proper.

2. Submit the documents sought by the Election Commission.

3. Those not available at home can apply online.

Steps to be taken by the Election Commission

1. If a name is found registered in two places, it will be identified using a photo-scanning system and corrected.

2. If a person applies in two different places, a case will be filed.

3. If a voter’s name is still missing after the revision, they can raise a query using the signed form provided by the BLO.

Involvement of political parties

1. Political parties have already been briefed about the special revision in a meeting.

2. Party leaders have been instructed to appoint agents for every booth.