Amid complaints over voter verification in Pune's Special Intensive Revision (SIR), Deputy Collector Minal Kalaskar reiterated that Booth Level Officers must visit households, not compel voters to travel to verification centres. The directive aims to safeguard voting rights and streamline the electoral roll update process.

मुख्य बिंदु (Key Takeaways)

  • BLOs are required to conduct voter verification at residences
  • Rain and tight timelines have led some officers to request office visits
  • Improper verification may jeopardize a voter’s franchise

In Pune district, residents have raised concerns that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are asking them to travel to designated verification centres as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Deputy Collector and Deputy District Election Officer Minal Kalaskar clarified that the SIR does not obligate voters to run from pillar to post; instead, it is the BLO’s duty to visit each elector’s home and complete the verification.

Procedural Background and BLO Obligations

The Election Commission periodically updates voter lists to reflect demographic changes. The SIR is a high‑speed, intensive phase where every household is revisited. Under the prescribed procedure, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) must deliver two copies of the Enumeration Form to each residence, assist voters in filling it out, and collect the completed form along with self‑attested documents. The officer retains one copy and provides an acknowledgement on the second.

Citizens’ Grievances

Despite the guidelines, several complainants reported being instructed to appear at BLO offices. Sunil Kulkarni, a 55‑year‑old resident of Manik Baug on Sinhagad Road, said he received a call asking him to bring documents to a BLO office in Shivane, a location far from his workplace. Similarly, residents of Vadgaon Budruk recounted long waits at a school‑based BLO centre, only to be told the officer was elsewhere and would return later.

Deputy Collector’s Response

Kalaskar acknowledged that the practice of asking voters to come to a single location may stem from the “tight timeline” and “continuous rain” that have hampered field work. She emphasized that daily reviews of BLO performance are conducted and that, as the weather improves, officers will resume house‑to‑house visits. Fresh instructions will be issued to ensure strict adherence to the original procedure.

Implications for Voter Rights

Failure to complete verification correctly can affect a citizen’s right to vote. BJP corporator Haridas Charwad urged residents to fill out the Enumeration Form promptly and submit the required documents, warning that repeated trips to government offices could lead to disenfranchisement. A transparent, citizen‑focused approach is essential not only for the credibility of the upcoming elections but also to preempt potential legal challenges.