Jagran News Network, New Delhi. The Election Commission has introduced a new provision in the online registration process for new voters adding their names to the voters’ list for the first time. Applicants filing Form 6 will now also have to provide information related to the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of their parents. If this declaration is not completed at the time of online application, the application cannot proceed.
According to the Commission, if the parents were involved in the previous SIR process, then the applicant will be required to provide details of their constituency, polling booth (part number) and serial number recorded in the voters’ list. If they were not included in the SIR, then by selecting this option you will need to enter their names and EPIC numbers, if any.
According to PTI, the Election Commission says this will make it easier to verify the identity of new voters and will also reduce the need for additional documents in many cases. The Commission also reiterated that the purpose of the SIR is to include eligible voters and remove the names of deceased, duplicate, transferred or overseas voters.
Have questions about the new system?
However, questions have also been raised regarding this new system. According to media reports, experts claim that Form-6 is part of the format prescribed by the Representation of the People Act and the Voter Registration Rules. In such a situation, to amend it, notification to the Central Government and amendment to the Gazette is required. No such amendment has yet been made public.
Meanwhile, UN special envoys also raised concerns about the transparency of the SIR process, which the Election Commission rejected, and termed the entire process as constitutional and transparent.
What is the new rule?
Now, every applicant filling online Form 6 to become a first-time voter will have to indicate whether his/her parents were involved in the previous SIR (Special Intensive Verification) process or not. Without providing this information, the online application will not be completed.
What information must be provided if parents have been included in the SIR?
The applicant will have to provide his constituency number, polling booth (part number) and serial number recorded in the voters’ list.
What if parents were not included in the SIR?
In such a situation, the applicant will have to select the appropriate option and enter the names of the parents and their EPIC (Voter Identification Number), if available.
Why did the Election Commission make this change?
The commission says this will help verify the identity of new voters and reduce the need to submit additional documents along with the application.
Why is there controversy over this rule?
Lawyers argue that the format of Form-6 is enshrined in law. Any change in this requires notification to the Central Government and an amendment to the Gazette. No such amendment has yet been publicly announced.
What impact might this have on new voters?
Young people who become voters for the first time after turning 18 may now have to collect information about old SIR records about themselves or their parents. The Election Commission has not yet provided clear guidance on how the application process will work for those who do not have this information.