Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 1: In a significant move to enhance the integrity and accuracy of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to utilise electronic data from the Registrar of Births and Deaths to swiftly remove the names of deceased voters, an official confirmed on Thursday.
Currently, the removal of such names requires a formal request via Form 7 and is verified by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), often resulting in delays and outdated rolls.
In addition to this initiative, the ECI is also planning a redesign of the Voter Information Slips (VIS) to make them more accessible and user-friendly, the official added.
Highlighting recent measures taken by chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, the official stated, “The Commission will now obtain death registration data electronically from the Registrar General of India in line with Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (as amended in 2023).”
“This will ensure that the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) receive timely information about registered deaths. It will also allow Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to re-verify the information through field visits without waiting for a formal request under Form 7,” the official added.
To enhance voter convenience, the ECI will also revise the design of electoral slips.
“The serial number and booth number of the voter will now be displayed more prominently, with increased font size, making it easier for voters to identify their polling station and for polling officials to locate their names in the electoral roll efficiently,” said the official.
In another directive, the Commission has mandated that all BLOs, appointed by the EROs under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, be provided with standardised photo identity cards. This is intended to ensure that citizens can recognise and interact confidently with BLOs during voter verification and registration campaigns.
The Commission’s push for digital integration and transparency comes amidst rising criticism from opposition leaders alleging discrepancies in the voters’ lists.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during a visit to Boston last month, alleged irregularities, saying, “It is very clear to us that the Election Commission is compromised, and it is very clear that there is something wrong with the system.”
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the Trinamool Congress, have raised concerns over voters from different states having identical Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers.
In March, a group of Trinamool Congress MPs urged the ECI to implement a "Unique ID" system for EPIC cards, akin to Aadhaar numbers and passports.
Last month, the Trinamool Congress launched a year-long voter list verification initiative in West Bengal, ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for March-April 2026, to elect a new 294-member legislature.