What Does the Bihar Draft Roll Include for Non-Included Electors?
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Synopsis
In a significant update, the Election Commission of India has accepted key Supreme Court suggestions to enhance transparency in Bihar's electoral roll. This includes a detailed list of non-included voters with reasons, aiming to empower citizens and streamline the electoral process. Discover how this change could impact voter engagement and trust in the system.
Key Takeaways
- ECI adopts Supreme Court’s suggestions for transparency.
- List of non-included voters will be available with reasons.
- Citizens can file claims using Form 6 and Aadhaar.
- Process aims to enhance public trust in the electoral system.
- All political parties have received details of proposed deletions.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has embraced three significant recommendations from the Supreme Court regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar. This includes the incorporation of a list of non-included voters along with the reasons for their exclusion in the draft roll.
To facilitate citizens, the ECI announced that besides the list of deceased individuals, voters at two locations, and those permanently relocated as provided by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to all political parties since July 20, a list of non-included voters with justifications will also be added to the draft roll.
The list of non-included voters can be searched using the EPIC number and booth-wise on the websites of District Election Officers (DEOs) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), as stated by the ECI.
The electoral body noted that individuals who feel wronged can submit their claims along with an Aadhaar copy, which was another key recommendation from the Supreme Court.
An ECI insider explained that an aggrieved individual is defined as someone whose name is absent from the draft list (which includes 65 lakh voters), allowing them to file a claim under Form 6 as per the regulations. This form already has a section to include Aadhaar.
Previously, during a court hearing, the Supreme Court instructed the ECI to make the online list of over 65 lakh voters who are proposed for deletion during the SIR accessible to the public.
However, ECI officials contend that the process has been significantly more transparent and cooperative than some opposition members have claimed.
The Supreme Court's directives entail publishing the complete list of deletions, providing reasons for each deletion, allowing claims with Aadhaar for identification (not citizenship), and displaying these lists at Panchayat and Block Development Office (BDO) locations.
While these measures aim to bolster transparency, the ECI asserts that the majority of these steps were already underway prior to the court's involvement.
According to ECI officials, all political parties in Bihar received the comprehensive list of proposed deletions starting July 20, 2025. This includes the names and reasons for proposed deletions—ranging from death, permanent migration, untraceability, to duplicate entries—as well as clear instructions for filing objections.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that these measures taken by the Election Commission are steps towards a more transparent electoral process. While criticisms from opposition parties are valid, the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and clarity in the electoral roll should be acknowledged. Ultimately, these actions serve to fortify democracy and enhance public trust in the electoral system.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the non-included voters list?
The non-included voters list aims to inform citizens about voters whose names are absent from the electoral roll, along with the reasons for their exclusion.
How can voters file a claim if their name is missing?
Voters can file a claim using Form 6, which requires them to provide their Aadhaar number for identification.
What are the reasons for voters being excluded?
Reasons for exclusion include death, permanent migration, untraceability, and duplicate entries.
When was the list of proposed deletions shared with political parties?
The complete list of proposed deletions was shared with all political parties in Bihar starting July 20, 2025.
How can voters access the list of non-included voters?
The list can be accessed online using the EPIC number and booth-wise on the websites of DEOs and the CEO.
