‘No Mapping’ and discrepancies in mapping with previous SIR records
Shillong, Aug 11: Over 6.5 lakh electors in Meghalaya have been identified for further scrutiny as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has asked the district officials to ensure completion of the scrutiny before any decision is taken.
The electors identified for scrutiny includes 2,22,786 categorised as “No Mapping” and 4,28,858 cases involving discrepancies in mapping with previous SIR records.
The decision for scrutiny of 6,51,644 electors was taken after a review conducted by the CEO with Deputy Commissioners/ District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers and other election officials on Tuesday.
The discrepancies flagged through ECINET include mismatches in an elector’s name or parent’s name, unusual age differences between electors and parents, age gaps between siblings linked to the same parent, more than six children linked to one parent, and certain age discrepancies involving grandparents.
The CEO directed EROs and AEROs to scrutinise these cases carefully and ensure that notices are issued and hearings conducted in a systematic manner.
Electors receiving notices will have an opportunity to appear before the concerned ERO/AERO and submit supporting documents.
The Draft Electoral Roll for all 60 Assembly constituencies was published on August 5.
The period for filing claims and objections will remain open until September 4, while the notice and hearing process will continue until October 3.
The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on October 7.
Since publication of the draft roll, election authorities have received 2,449 applications — 1,121 in Form 6, eight in Form 7, 253 Form 8 applications for shifting and 1,067 other Form 8 applications.
The CEO also held a separate meeting with representatives of recognised national and state political parties, urging them to continue working through their Booth Level Agents to help eligible voters verify their names and particulars and file claims or objections where necessary.
No deletion without due process
The election department reiterated that no name appearing in the Draft Electoral Roll will be deleted without due process.
The concerned ERO/AERO must issue notice, conduct an inquiry, provide the elector a fair opportunity to be heard and pass a reasoned order before taking any decision.
An elector aggrieved by an ERO’s decision can appeal to the District Magistrate within 15 days.
A further appeal can be filed before the CEO within 30 days of the District Magistrate’s order.
The CEO has urged eligible voters to check their names and particulars in the draft roll and file claims or objections within the prescribed period rather than waiting until the deadline.
