Legal and Administrative Challenges of Conducting Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls in Assam
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has excluded Assam from its nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This decision stems from the unique legal status of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, governed by Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955. The 2019 NRC process, monitored by the Supreme Court, concluded with the exclusion of over 19 lakh people but remains administratively stalled. The article argues that a parallel citizenship verification through SIR in Assam would create legal conflicts and risk social unrest in the state's fragile socio-political environment.
Key Points
- Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, creates a distinct citizenship regime specifically for Assam.
- The 2019 NRC in Assam cost over ₹1,600 crore and involved the verification of 3.30 crore applicants.
- The Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act.
- ECI's SIR guidelines require proof of citizenship for those not on the 2003 electoral rolls, creating a hurdle for Assam.
Exam Facts
- Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955
- NRC Conclusion Date: August 31, 2019
- Number of people excluded from Assam NRC: 19,06,657
- Cost of NRC exercise: ₹1,600 crore
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