Amid Karnataka's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, over 11.4 lakh forms were received between June 16 and July 29. A significant 57% of these, primarily Form-8, are for correcting entries and updating addresses, indicating a strong focus on data accuracy.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 11.4 lakh forms have been received in Karnataka during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
  • Approximately 57% of the total forms (over 7.74 lakh) are Form-8, used for correcting entries, changing addresses, or replacing EPIC cards.
  • More than 3.32 lakh Form-6 applications for inclusion of new voters have also been received.
  • The process has been overwhelmingly online, with only 331 forms submitted offline.
  • There has been a notable increase in voters categorized as 'permanently shifted'.

Bengaluru: In the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office has received over 11.40 lakh forms between June 16 and July 29. These applications encompass a range of requests, including new voter registrations, corrections to existing voter particulars, and deletions from the electoral roll.

Dominance of Form-8 Applications

Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, V. Anbu Kumar, stated on Wednesday that the largest share of received forms comprises Form-8, with over 7.74 lakh submissions. Form-8 is designated for correcting entries in the electoral roll, changing an address, replacing an Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), or updating disability status. Out of the total Form-8 submissions, over 6.47 lakh are for 'correction of entries,' while 90,349 are for 'shifting of residence.'

Furthermore, more than 3.32 lakh applications for Form-6, intended for the inclusion of new voters, have been received. Additionally, 30,696 applications for Form-7, seeking deletion of names from the electoral roll, have been processed. Overseas Indian citizens (NRIs) have submitted 2,783 Form-6A applications to add their names to the electoral roll.

Overwhelmingly Online Process

The revision process has seen a significant shift towards online submissions, with only 331 forms submitted offline to date. This highlights a growing digital adoption among citizens for electoral services.

Rise in 'Permanently Shifted' Voters

The surge in Form-8 submissions coincides with a substantial number of voters being categorized under the Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, Dead, and Others (ASDDO) category, particularly as 'permanently shifted.' As of Wednesday evening, over 53.39 lakh voters were marked as 'permanently shifted,' while more than 11.92 lakh were categorized as 'absent or untraceable.' Mr. Kumar clarified that voters are marked as 'permanently shifted' or 'absent' if Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are unable to locate them after three visits, or if the address in the legacy roll differs significantly from the current electoral roll.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis indicates that the high volume of Form-8 submissions underscores the critical importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls. This proactive engagement by citizens in correcting their details is vital for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

Expert Insight: "The continuous effort to update electoral rolls is paramount, and the high number of Form-8 applications signifies a growing public awareness of the importance of accurate voter data, which forms the bedrock of a robust democracy."
Did You Know?: Form-8 is not only used for address or name corrections but also to mark persons with disabilities, aiding the government in providing targeted support services.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Which form is used for corrections in the electoral roll?
    Form-8 is primarily used for correcting entries in the electoral roll, changing an address, replacing an EPIC, or updating disability status.
  2. Can forms be submitted online?
    Yes, most forms can be submitted online. Out of the over 11.4 lakh forms received in Karnataka, only 331 were submitted offline.