As Phase 1 of Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-submission of enumeration forms-nears completion with over 88% electors covered, the focus shifts to the more crucial Phase 2, where document verification will decide not only valid Bihar voters but also who qualifies as an Indian citizen.
This two-month phase-from August 1 to September 30, when the final Bihar roll will be released-is set to carry major electoral and political implications.
Reason: Over the next two months, the process will open for "claims" to add names, "objections" to existing entries, and crucial "suo motu" inquiries against suspected foreign nationals-the latter likely to spark intense debate ahead of the Bihar assembly polls.
The stage is already set, with ECI sources indicating last week that a "large number of people from Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar" were found by BLOs, many of whom had managed to obtain documents such as Aadhaar, and ration cards.
ET takes a look at what will happen from August 1
Over 88% of Bihar's voters-6.81 cr of 7.89 cr-have submitted enumeration forms, so most are expected in the draft roll. The ECI has set July 25 for form submissions but allowed until September 29 to add mandatory documents, including self and parental birth proof.
From August 1, document verification becomes key as the window opens for filing "claims" and "objections" until September 1. These will be displayed daily on the CEO website and at Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) offices.
Significantly, there will be political oversight, with EROs required to share lists weekly with parties. Roll observers will also conduct 'super checks' on all requests.
SIR Phase 2: Verification time
In phase 2, SIR will shift from the BLO stage to the ERO/Assistant ERO stage.
Once the draft roll is published, the ERO will scrutinise the eligibility of electors using submitted documents and field reports, and address all "claims" and "objections" by September 25. Verified entries will be uploaded on ECINET for inclusion in the final roll. The final electoral roll will be published on September 30.
In the red
If the ERO doubts an elector's eligibility, he can initiate a "suo motu" inquiry and issue a notice asking why the name should not be removed. The decision will be based on field inquiries, documentation, or other evidence, and a "speaking order" with justification will be issued.
Such cases will also be referred to the "competent authority" under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Aggrieved persons may appeal to the district collector within 15 days of the ERO order, and subsequently to the CEO within 30 days of the collector's decision.
This two-month phase-from August 1 to September 30, when the final Bihar roll will be released-is set to carry major electoral and political implications.
Reason: Over the next two months, the process will open for "claims" to add names, "objections" to existing entries, and crucial "suo motu" inquiries against suspected foreign nationals-the latter likely to spark intense debate ahead of the Bihar assembly polls.
The stage is already set, with ECI sources indicating last week that a "large number of people from Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar" were found by BLOs, many of whom had managed to obtain documents such as Aadhaar, and ration cards.
ET takes a look at what will happen from August 1
Over 88% of Bihar's voters-6.81 cr of 7.89 cr-have submitted enumeration forms, so most are expected in the draft roll. The ECI has set July 25 for form submissions but allowed until September 29 to add mandatory documents, including self and parental birth proof.
From August 1, document verification becomes key as the window opens for filing "claims" and "objections" until September 1. These will be displayed daily on the CEO website and at Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) offices.
Significantly, there will be political oversight, with EROs required to share lists weekly with parties. Roll observers will also conduct 'super checks' on all requests.
SIR Phase 2: Verification time
In phase 2, SIR will shift from the BLO stage to the ERO/Assistant ERO stage.
Once the draft roll is published, the ERO will scrutinise the eligibility of electors using submitted documents and field reports, and address all "claims" and "objections" by September 25. Verified entries will be uploaded on ECINET for inclusion in the final roll. The final electoral roll will be published on September 30.
In the red
If the ERO doubts an elector's eligibility, he can initiate a "suo motu" inquiry and issue a notice asking why the name should not be removed. The decision will be based on field inquiries, documentation, or other evidence, and a "speaking order" with justification will be issued.
Such cases will also be referred to the "competent authority" under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Aggrieved persons may appeal to the district collector within 15 days of the ERO order, and subsequently to the CEO within 30 days of the collector's decision.
