Bihar electoral roll revision risks disenfranchisement, raises concerns over citizenship verification.
The Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is raising significant concerns. While presented as a routine update, it mandates new documentary proof for nearly 60% of the electorate, including birth certificates and land deeds, which are difficult to obtain. Critics argue this process risks disenfranchising millions, particularly the poor, Muslims, and migrant workers, and is akin to a de facto National Register of Citizens (NRC) without legislative backing. The ECI's refusal to accept its own voter ID cards as proof of eligibility further erodes institutional credibility, and the process is being challenged in the Supreme Court for violating fundamental rights.
Key Points
- The ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar requires new documentary proof for a large portion of the electorate, including birth certificates and land deeds.
- This process is criticized for potentially disenfranchising millions, especially marginalized communities like the poor, Muslims, and migrant workers.
- The ECI's own voter ID cards are not accepted as sufficient proof of eligibility, raising questions about institutional credibility.
- The revision is seen as a form of demographic manipulation, resembling a de facto NRC, and is challenged in the Supreme Court for violating fundamental rights.
Exam Facts
- Nearly 4.74 crore voters (60% of Bihar's electorate) are required to prove eligibility.
- The SIR guidelines require documents like birth certificates, school-leaving documents, and land deeds.
- The process is being challenged in the Supreme Court.
- The ECI launched this document-heavy exercise during the monsoon season with a 30-day deadline.
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