Summary revision of electoral rolls in Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 22 (UNI) The Election Commission is undertaking a major 'cleaning up' drive of the electoral rolls in the national capital before the crucial municipal polls.

The EC ordered a special summary revision of electoral rolls in all the 70 assembly constituencies in the city. Preparatory work for this had already started from August 21 and interaction with the public would be conducted from October 6 to 26, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Satbir Silas Bedi told reporters.

It was estimated that at present there were 'inaccuracies' to the extent of 20 per cent in the electoral roll, with duplication of names being the major culprit.

More than six lakh people shifted residence within the capital -- which was maximum for any city in the country -- besides about 2.5 lakh people migrated each year.

The summary revision had been launched to remove these 'distortions' by deleting the duplications and those who did not exist while including 1.6 lakh voters who had just crossed 18.

A list was being drawn up of identical names for cross checking and the civic agencies were also being asked to provide list of registered deaths in the city. Officials from the electoral office would also personally verify people over 80.

People who had shifted residence, including women who had married and moved, were being asked to give details of their previous addresses so that they could be deleted.

Officials would take the help of Resident Welfare Association to add/remove names from an area. Booth Level Officers had been appointed for the first time to ensure the fidelity of the rolls in their area.

University authorities and principals of various colleges were being approached to get a list of youths who had crossed 18, so that there names could be added.

The deletions and additions were needed in order to have 'truly representative electoral rolls' in Delhi, Ms Bedi said.

''It must be remembered that having ones name at more than place is illegal and a punishable crime,'' she added.

As many as 2,300 centres across Delhi would give out and accept addition/deletion/correction forms. The forms are also available online.

The revision exercise would be completed on January 1 next with the final publication of electoral rolls.

UNI IP VD BD1729