Special Intensive Revision: Kerala's electoral rolls report over 20 lakh untraceable voters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the first phase of SIR progresses, the BLO report states that 20.753 lakh voters need to be excluded. This may increase further, Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U Khelkar informed the meeting of political representatives.

Of the excluded, 6.11 lakh are deceased. 7.39 lakh have moved. 5.66 lakh could not be traced. 1.12 lakh are duplicates. 0.45 lakh have not cooperated with the SIR. The meeting assessed that the report is a cause for concern. As per the revised schedule, the form will be accepted till December 18. The date of release of the draft voter list has been extended to December 23. An extension of more than two weeks has been given. Local body elections will be held on the 11th. Khelkar requested the support of the BLAs, representatives of political parties, even after that. This is to clarify the issue of those who should be excluded from conducting evidence collection. Currently, there are 1200 voters in a booth. Out of these, 50-60 voters may be excluded. Efforts are being made to conduct evidence collection at the booth level and prepare a final report. Appeals against the draft voter list can be submitted to the EROs, District Collectors and Chief Electoral Officers.

5060 booths will be added

5060 more booths will have to be added with the completion of SIR. There are currently 25438 booths.

SIR Timetable

Enumeration period: December 18

Reorganisation of polling stations: on the 18th

Preparation of draft electoral roll: from 19 to 22

Publication of draft: on the 23rd

Reception of complaints: from 23 to January 22

Collection of evidence: from January 23 to February 14

Final list verification: February 17

Publication of final list: February 21