The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched three major initiatives to improve electoral roll accuracy and organize voter services for strengthening the electoral process. The Election Commission introduced these measures after CEO Conference leaders Gyanesh Kumar announced them jointly with Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi through a press release on Thursday.
An important project was established to obtain online death registration data from the Registrar General of India. According to Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (transformed through 2023 amendments) Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can now get immediate notification of registered deaths.
The verification process for voter registration details will take place through on-site visits of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) prior to receiving formal applications under Form 7. The updated measure will strengthen electoral roll security by providing quick name deletion of dead voters.
The Commission achieved better voting experience by redesigning and simplifying the Voter Information Slip (VIS). A new improved format now uses large font sizes for voter serial numbers and part numbers which enables easier polling station location for voters and quick roll entry location by officials.
The ECI took another measure to increase voter contact by directing standard photo identification cards for all BLOs. The law under Section 13B(2) of Representation of the People Act, 1950 designates BLOs as the key communication conduit between voters and the Commission. Officially issued ID cards for BLOs will make identification easier when they conduct house visits so voters can trust their interactions and registration activities can proceed more smoothly.
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