After complaints, Karnataka CEO directs door-to-door distribution of SIR forms

Bengaluru, July 3 (IANS) Acting on complaints that Enumeration Forms for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were being distributed from offices instead of through door-to-door visits, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V. Anbu Kumar on Friday directed all Deputy Commissioners in the state to ensure strict compliance with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines.

Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Friday alleged direct interference by the Karnataka government in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Ramanagara district and demanded an immediate, impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Earlier, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Thursday alleged a “massive scam” in the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Ramanagara district and claimed to have exposed the alleged irregularities by releasing a video.

In a directive issued to all Deputy Commissioners, who also serve as District Election Officers (DEOs), the Chief Electoral Officer instructed them to ensure that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) distribute Enumeration Forms by visiting every household, as mandated under the ECI’s guidelines, rather than distributing the forms from government offices or other designated locations.

The directive follows complaints from various parts of the state alleging that the prescribed door-to-door verification and distribution process was not being followed during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls.

The Chief Electoral Officer reiterated that the SIR exercise must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines and instructed district administrations to ensure full compliance by all Booth Level Officers.

The official communication in this regard has been issued to the District Election officer, Bengaluru; and Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA); District Election Officers and Deputy Commissioners of all districts; Special Commissioner (Elections), GBA; Additional District Election officers, BBMP Central, BBMP North and BBMP South election districts, and Commissioners of Bengaluru City Corporations (North, South and Central).

The Additional District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru Urban, has also been given directions in this regard.

The official letter referring to the complaint dated July 2 states, “With reference to the above subject, as per the guidelines and schedule issued by the Election Commission of India, distribution of Enumeration Forms to the voters has started in the state of Karnataka from June 30. However, some complaints have been received alleging that BLOs are not visiting houses and distributing forms from the offices.”

“In view of the above complaints, you are hereby instructed to issue necessary directions to all the BLOs to visit house-to-house for distribution of enumeration forms as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India and strictly adhere to the directions and guidelines of ECI regarding all aspects of SIR. Further, voters who find it difficult to fill the enumeration forms have the option of visiting the Voter Facilitation Centres for necessary assistance, and the same may be popularised,” it said.

–IANS

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