ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA Training for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) 2011 1 The material used for training:• Handbook for BLOs. • Training Module. 2 Training can be conducted for Two days Booth Level Agents EPIC BLOs role in Gram Sabhas Enrollment of electors BLOs Duties & Roles Photo Electoral Rolls BLOs Appointment BLO Register 3 Administrative Machinery of Electoral System Election Commission of India (ECI) Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) District Election Officer (DEO) Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) Supervisor Booth Level Officer (BLO) 4 Introduction to Booth Level Officer (BLO) Background: • Prior to year 2006, temporary enumerators were appointed to assist ERO in their work of revision • To ensure the correctness of electoral roll, new system of appointing BLO’s was introduced. BLO is: • Appointed under section 13B (2) of RP Act 1950 • He is responsible for maintaining the electoral roll of the assigned part area under the control and supervision of ERO/AERO concerned 5 Appointment Constitution : • Under section 13B(2) – RP Act,1950 - From 2006, BLO's are appointed after obtaining the prior approval of District Election Officer (DEO) concerned • Under Section 13CC – RP Act, 1950 - BLO functions under the control & supervision of ECI/CEO of state • Selection of BLOs will be from the employees of State government/local bodies for allocation of one part • EROs/ AEROs are expected to have contact details of their BLOs which are updated on the website of CEOs of all States/UTs. • Each BLO will be issued a special kit and is entitled to remuneration 6 Format of the Appointment Register • Record of appointed BLOs should be maintained and updated in offices of DEO/ERO/AERO in the format given below Details of the official to be appointed as BLO Name & designatio n Name & situation of office when BLO is posted Name,& Designation/ tel no. of departmental controlling officer of BLO Details of Polling Stations assigned to BLO Number & name of assembly Constituenc y Name of CD Block/ Revenue Circle Number & name of Polling Station assigned to BLO Situation & name of Polling Station Location Appointment letter number and date Name & designation of the officer signing the appointment letter Startin g Date BLO's I Card number & Remark if any 7 BLO's transfer and leave During special campaign related to election work: • BLO would not be transferred • BLO would not take any leave without prior approval of the ERO. Exception to condition - In case a BLO is sanctioned leave/transferred: • ERO/AERO would arrange to take over record/papers and registers • ERO would appoint another BLO immediately on approval of DEO 8 Introduction to Parliamentary Constituency (PC) Assembly Constituency (AC) Electoral Roll – Parts & Sections 9 Let’s Play 10 Count the circles 11 Count the circles now You can make things easier by doing them systematically 12 Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Country One Country Parliamentary Constituencies Many Assembly Constituencies > PCs Parts of the AC >ACs Sections of the Parts >Parts 13 Indian Parliamentary Constituencies • India has many Parliamentary Constituencies distributed in states/ union territories Parliamentary Constituencies of India 14 Parliamentary Constituencies of Gujarat Gujarat Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs) Gandhinagar as PC 15 Assembly Constituencies of Gandhinagar Gandhinagar PC has number of ACs Gandhinagar (North) AC 16 Parts of the Assembly Constituency Gandhinagar (North) AC has number of parts Parts of Gandhinagar (North) AC (Illustrative) 17 Sections of Part (Illustrative) Parts of Gandhinagar (North) AC has number of Sections Sections of Parts of Gandhinagar (North) AC 18 Parliamentary Constituency (PC) Definition : PC is a constituency provided by law for the purpose of elections to the House of the People. (Section 2(f), RP Act 1950) Composition: Not more than 530 members directly elected from territorial constituencies in the states (Article – 81 of Constitution of India) • Not more than 20 members to represent the Union Territories • Not more than 2 members to represent the Anglo-Indian Community 19 Assembly Constituency (AC) Definition: AC is a constituency provided by Law for the purpose of elections to the Legislative Assembly of a State (Section 2(b), RP Act 1950) Composition • Number of ACs comprise a PC. • Not more than 500 and not less than 60 members are directly elected from the territorial constituencies in the state (Article 170 of Constitution of India) • Special Provision with respect to the State of Sikkim, State of Mizoram, State of Arunachal Pradesh and State of Goa (Article 371 of Constitution of India) • Both PC and AC are territorial except the Sangh Assembly Constituency in Sikkim 20 Electoral Rolls It is a listing of all those persons registered to vote in a particular area • No separate electoral roll is prepared/revised for parliamentary Constituency, except in Jammu and Kashmir where electoral rolls are prepared separately for PC and AC. • Electoral Rolls for Parliamentary constituency is provided under section 13 D - RP Act, 1950 • Electoral Rolls for Assembly constituency is prepared as per section 15, RP Act, 1950 under the superintendence, direction and control of the election commission 21 Parts and Sections • Electoral Rolls are organized as geographically defined parts • Parts are numbered and organized as geographically identified sections • Sections denote locality and area details and contain household wise individual elector details Electoral Rolls Parts Sections Locality • Each part has an identified polling station where electors cast their votes on the poll day Area Households 22 That is true culture which helps us to work for the social betterment of all Henry Ward Beecher 23 24 How to develop knowledge of the local culture where BLO is appointed 25 Duties and Responsibilities of BLOs 26 Duties and Responsibilities of BLOs 1. CUSTODIAN OF ELECTORAL ROLL OF POLLING STATION 2. ENSURE AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENT FORMS 3. TO ENSURE STRUCTURAL CORRECTNESS OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL 4. TO GATHER/OBTAIN INFORMATION OF THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE PART AREA 5. TO PREPARE CORRECT MAP BY FREE HAND EYE ESTIMATION (NAZARI MAP) OF PART AREA 6. TO ENSURE CORRECT NUMBERING OF HOUSES FALLING WITHIN POLLING STATION AREA/PART AREA 7. PHYSICAL VERIFICATION OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL 8. ADDITION, DELETION AND MODIFICATION IN THE ELECTORAL ROLL 9. TO ENSURE ELECTORS PHOTO IDENTITY CARDS (EPIC) COVERAGE OF THE ELECTORS 10. PROPER MAINTENANCE OF REVISION RELATED REGISTERS FORMS AND RECORDS 27 1. CUSTODIAN OF ELECTORAL ROLL OF POLLING STATION • BLOs would have a kit containing electoral roll, handbook, registers, identity card and formats 6, 6A, 7, 8, 9, 10 etc. • BLO will show the electoral roll to the public on request • BLO would keep the electoral roll updated and see that no structural defect takes place 28 Activity Time 29 30 Forms Form 6 - Any person who claims to register his name in the electoral roll, should fill up/get filled the form and either sign or give thumb impression on this form. If the person’s name is already existing in roll of any assembly constituency then its details should be provided in part – IV of form-6 Form 6A- Any person who is a citizen of India and who has not acquired the citizenship of any other country and is otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter and who is absenting from his place of ordinary residence in India owing to his employment, education or otherwise is eligible to be registered as a voter in the constituency in which his place of residence in India as mentioned in his passport is located. Form 7 - Every objection to the inclusion of a person’s name in the roll should be given in this form. Objector should provide the justification for filing the objection Form 8 - Every correction to any entry in roll should be given in this by the person to whom the entry relates Form 8A - Every application for transposition of an entry from one part to another part of the roll within the same assembly constituency should be in this form. 31 9 8 10 6 7 2. ENSURE AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENT FORMS • Keep form available in BLO kit and help electors /applicants in filling up the forms 6, 7, 8 and 8A • prepare consolidated list in form 9, 10, 11 and 11A respectively and submit to ERO/AERO • give a receipt duly signed (attached with each form) to the applicant for a completed application submitted by an applicant 32 3. TO ENSURE STRUCTURAL CORRECTNESS OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL • Verify the correctness of the entries in the electoral roll of his part. • Verify the number of sections, section header and house numbers. • Verify the sections clearly shown in the Nazari Map printed on the back of the part header. • Check the number of electors printed on the part header page which should be same as the number of the electors in the list in the draft electoral rolls • Inform ERO/AERO immediately for the missing pages in the electoral roll • Verify the deletions, additions and corrections reflected properly in the mother roll 33 Activity Time 34 4. TO GATHER/OBTAIN INFORMATION OF THE GEOGRAPHY OF THE PART AREA • Acquire knowledge about the boundary of the polling station area/ part area • Frequently visit the Revenue village/Colony etc that falls under their part area to gather correct information. • Ensure the enrollment of any eligible persons as electors for the new houses build in their part area and the depiction of these houses in the Nazari map for next revision • Develop local contacts in their sections to remain updated about the advent of new persons, shifting of residents, death etc. 35 5. TO PREPARE CORRECT MAP BY FREE HAND EYE ESTIMATION (NAZARI MAP) OF PART AREA • Prepare Nazari map by freehand clearly indicating sections within the part. 36 Activity Time 37 Sample of Nazari (illustrative) 38 39 6. TO ENSURE CORRECT NUMBERING OF HOUSES FALLING WITHIN POLLING STATION AREA/PART AREA Acquire knowledge about the number of sections and boundaries of their part area to give correct serial numbers to the houses. • Serialization of the houses should be in ascending order beginning from North-West to South-East in zigzag manner 1 3 2 6 5 7 8 4 9 40 7. PHYSICAL VERIFICATION OF THE ELECTORAL ROLL • With the help of BLO register, physical verification of the electoral roll by house to house visits. This work will be done every year before revision of rolls • Identify and collect the information during field visits to update and correct the electoral roll 41 Activity Time 42 8. ADDITION, DELETION AND MODIFICATION IN THE ELECTORAL ROLL • Register all the persons residing in the part area but not enrolled yet as electors in form 6. • Ensure no entries of electors who are not resident in that part area • Obtain applications in form 7 of the migrated or dead electors of that constituency • Obtain applications in form 8 for the entries that require modification • Collect the photographs of the electors missing in the database 43 •Age • “Age proof” like birth certificate, certificate from school •Parental Linkage in Electoral Roll (for citizenship issue) /citizenship proof • “Citizenship proof” like copy of EPIC of parents • “Proof of Ordinary Residence” like rationcard, passport etc Students New Voter •Ordinary residence Inclusion (Form 6) Married women • “Age proof” Shifted from other AC Voters above 25 yrs • “Nationality proof” • Address of previous residence • Proof of Ordinary Residence before marriage • Ac No.& if possible Part/Sl. No. of previous enrollment • Marriage Registration Certificate • “proof of Ordinary Residence •Declaration as to delayed registration (age>25 yrs) (Part 4 of form 6) •Special care to verify citizenship status •Ordinary residence • EPIC or other citizenship evidence • Ordinary residence 44 Part & Sl. No. of previous enrollment Transposition (Form 8A) EPIC Ordinary residence Correction (Form 8) Part & Sl. No. of enrollment Evidence in favour of correction sought for 45 Important Documents Needed for forms • Age Proof (Either of the documents can be given) a) b) c) d) e) f) Birth certificate issued by a Municipal Authorities or district office of the Registrar of Births & Deaths or Baptism certificate; or Birth certificate from the school (Govt. / Recognised) last attended by the applicant or any other recognised educational institution; or If a person is class 10 or more pass, he should give a copy of the marksheet of class 10 , if it contains date of birth as a proof of date of birth; or Marksheet of class 8 if it contains date of birth; or Marksheet of class 5 if it contains date of birth; or A declaration in prescribed format given in Annexure-1 made by either of his parents if the person is not educated till class 10 (In those cases where parental declaration is given as proof of age, the applicant will have to be present himself for verification before BLO/ERO/AERO); or 46 Important Documents Needed for forms contd… g) A certificate of his age given by a sarpanch of the concerned Gram Panchayat or by a member of the concerned Municipal Corporation / Municipal Committee, the person is not educated till class 10 and both the parents are not alive. Note: Documentary proof of age will be required only in those cases, where age of the applicant is between 18 and 21 years. In all other cases declaration of his age by the applicant will be taken as proof of age. • Proof of Citizenship (Either of the documents can be given) - Copy of EPIC of parents - Birth Certificate issued by Municipal authority - Passport 47 • Proof of Ordinary Residence (Either of the documents can be given) • Bank / Kisan / Post Office current Pass Book, or • Applicant’s Ration Card / Passport / Driving License / Income Tax Return filed or Assessment Order, or • Latest Water / Telephone / Electricity / Gas Connection Bill for that address, either in the name of the applicant or that of his / her immediate relation like parents etc., or • Postal department’s posts received / delivered in the applicant’s name at the given address. NOTE: In case of homeless persons, the BLO will visit the address given in Form 6 at night to ascertain that the homeless person actually sleeps at the place which is given as his address in Form 6. If the BLO is able to verify that the homeless person actually sleeps at that place, no documentary proof of place of residence shall be necessary.BLO must visit for more than one night for such verification. 48 Important Documents Needed for forms For Married Women applying for the first time • Along with form no. 6 - Age Proof - Nationality Proof (Copy of EPIC of parents) - Proof of ordinary residence before marriage and after marriage - Copy of proof of marriage (Marriage Registration Certificate) - Linkage of spouse (if he is an elector of concerned part) • Married Woman with no proof of marriage - it is a special case and thus E.R.O. will have to be convinced of the marriage - BLOs will have to conduct the local inquiry to ascertain the marriage 49 Very Important Points • What is Linkage - linkage is the relationship of the applicant with one or more enrolled electors - applicants name is integrated with his or her family • If linkage is not possible - Electors can enroll on the basis of the following proofs (i) Citizenship (ii) Age (iii) Ordinary residence 50 9. TO ENSURE ELECTORS PHOTO IDENTITY CARDS (EPIC) COVERAGE OF THE ELECTORS • Ensure correct and clear photographs of the electors in the roll • Distribute the Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) signed and issued by ERO to the concerned electors. • Obtain the receipt for delivery of EPICs from elector or family members in prescribed Performa/ register and submit the copy to the concerned ERO/AERO. 51 52 53 10. PROPER MAINTENANCE OF REVISION RELATED REGISTERS FORMS AND RECORDS • Ensure proper maintenance and safe custody of registers forms and records • Ensure proper hand over and obtain receipt of all the above mentioned documents 54 Courtesy http://home-gym-fitness-equipment.co.uk/files/log-book.jpg Activity Anything is possible!! 55 Activity Time 56 Summing up – Main Duties and Responsibilities of BLOs All through the year •Custodian of the electoral roll •Ensure availability of different forms •physical verification of rolls •Maintaining the election related documents Periodical •Updating of the rolls •National Voters Day Activity Dec-Jan •Ensure correct serialization of houses •Prepare najari map Special Direction • Photo coverage in the roll Revision Period • Structural revision and updating of rolls • Obtain geographical information of Part area • Coordination with BLAs • Coordination with BLAs • Displaying draft rolls • Impart Systematic Voters Education • Reading of rolls in gram sabhas for Electoral Participation (SVEEP) • Distribution of voters slip before polls • Any other work under the instruction of ERO/AERO 57 There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. Robert Louis Stevenson 58 DAY 2 Re-cap 60 Relevant Constitutional and Legal Provisions 61 Article 324 (1) Constitution of India ECI controls and directs the preparation of electoral roll for all elections Article 327 Constitution of India Enacted two Acts for all the matters related to election • Representation of People Act, 1950 • Representation of People Act, 1951 Section 28 R P Act 1950 Rules for Electoral Registration,1960 framed by Central Government with help of ECI Section 15 R P Act 1950 Framework for preparation and revision of Electoral roll 62 Section 19 R P Act 1950 Registration of every person of 18 years & not disqualified under constitution in electoral roll Section 17 R P Act 1950 Registration of every person in only one constituency in electoral roll Section 18 R P Act 1950 Every person can be registered in a constituency only once Section 14(b) R P Act 1950 Revision of electoral roll on first day of January Section 21,R P Act 1950 Rule 25(2), RER 1960 Timely Intensive/ Special revision of electoral roll directed by ECI 63 Election Laws, Rules, ECI instructions • The Representation of People Act, 1950 • The Representation of People Act, 1951 • The Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order,2008 • The Registration of Electors Rule, 1960 • Handbook for Electoral Registration Officers • Handbook for Booth Level Officers 64 Let’s Play Administrative Machinery of Electoral System A Constitutional Body • Constitution, Electoral Laws and system - Hold free and fair elections since 1947 • Direct and control the entire process of election for Parliament and Legislative of every state, Election Commission of India was established • ECI comprises of: • Chief Election Commissioner • Two Election Commissioners 67 Secretariat S E T U P National Level Deputy Election Commissioner State Level Chief Electoral Officer Deputy Election Officers District Level Electoral Registration Officer Assistant Electoral Registration Officer Polling Booth Level (BLO) 68 The main functions of Election Commission are as follows: 1. Conduct of Elections; election schedules (for general or bye elections) 2. Revision of Rolls 3. Rationalization of polling stations 4. Monitoring of election expenditure incurred by the contesting candidates and political parties 5. Registration/Recognition of political parties 6. Advice to Governors/President 7. All other allied matters 69 Political parties and the Commission Commission ensures: • Organizational elections of parties at regular interval • Recognition of political parties based on their poll performance at State and National levels • Settlement of disputes between the splinter groups of such parties • Periodical consultation with political parties regarding elections 70 Judicial Review • Commission's decision can be challenged by appropriate petitions in the High Court and Supreme court • Election process once started is not interfered by the judiciary • Results once declared can only be reviewed through election petition before the High Court 71 Quiz Time • Who is the Chief Election commissioner of India? • Who are the two Election Commissioners of India? • Who is the Deputy Election Commissioner in-charge of your state? • Who is the Chief Electoral Officer of your state? • Who is the District Election Officer of your district? • Who is the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the Assembly • Constituency of the Part in which you are appointed as BLO? • Who is the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of the Assembly Constituency of the Part in which you are appointed as BLO? 72 There is one law in Universe: NOW Alfred Sutro 73 General Principles of Voter Registration 74 I. Disqualification for registration in an electoral roll under Section 16, RP Act 1950: • Not a citizen of India • Of unsound mind declared by a competent court • Indulged in corrupt or fraudulent practices • Registration of a person more than once in a electoral roll • Enrollment of elector before expiry of period of disqualification 75 II. Qualification for Registration under Section 19, RP Act, 1950: Every person can be registered as an elector who: Is not less than 18 years of age on the qualifying date Is ordinarily resident of the concerned Assembly constituency Is a Citizen of India 18 76 III. Meaning of “Ordinarily Resident” under Rule 20, RER 1960: • The term “Ordinary Resident” means that the person uses the place at least for sleeping • A person who is not present in his place temporarily is also considered as an ordinary resident • Any person holding declared office like President, Speaker of Lok Sabha etc shall be considered as ordinarily resident and electors of their home Constituencies • Any person in prison, hospital, asylum are not ordinary residents of these places as these are their temporary residents. 77 IV. Registration of Students • Students can be registered as electors either at their native place or at the address of hostel/mess managed by the educational institution 78 Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Thomas Alva Adison 79 80 Photo Electoral Roll 81 Electoral Roll • • Section 15 RP Act, 1950 – “Every constituency should have an electoral roll” The Text roll is now photo electoral roll Text Roll Photo Electoral Roll 82 Components Title Page Assembly Constituency of the State of Meghalaya The Title page has : • Details of the concerned Assembly constituency • Clearly demarcated Nazari map of that assembly constituency on the back of the title page Details of the parts of the AC 83 Header Page Header page has: • details of the concerned part area • clearly demarcated Nazari map of that part area on the back of it. Part Areas of the state of Meghalaya Details of the sections of the part 84 Section pages The pages of the section has: • name of the section on the top of the page • details related to the concerned assemble constituency • list of electors arranged house number wise of every section starting with one and goes horizontally • details of electors with photo Details of the sections Details of the assembly House numbers Electors details 85 Summary of Electors Supplement • Supplement page has: • Modified list of electors published as draft • Addition list starting with last serial number of the mother roll • Deletion list with no changes in the serial number and the part header • One or more supplements can be attached with mother roll due to several revisions Addition List Deletion List 86 Name of AC Name of PC Mother Roll • The first copy of the electoral roll created by the BLOs by visiting house to house and published by the EROs Details of AC • Any addition, deletion or changes are reflected in the supplement roll of that year. • There is provision for integration of these rolls also 87 Sample 1 – Change due to deletion Mother Roll Supplement 88 Sample 2 – Change due to correction (Incorrect photo) Entry in Mother Roll Entry in Supplement – for change 89 • Changes in the total number of the entries Entry in Mother Roll Entry in Supplement 90 Quiz Time • The house no. of an elector in the electoral roll and that given by the municipality is not the same. What is the reason behind it? • What should be done if the name of a person, who is not ordinarily resident of that area, is included in the electoral roll? • Where can an elector check up whether his/her name is there or not in the voter’s list? 91 Case Study 92 Case 1 • In one family their daughter-in-law, Sarita being a family member was a part of the electoral roll for that household. But she has been driven out of the house by the in-laws. Now to establish proof that Sarita does not stay in the household any more, her in-laws submit Form-7 for her. Sarita has not been legally divorced with her husband, nor the family produce any such document. Even the family is reluctant to give any information of her present residence. What can the BLO do in such a situation? 93 Case 2 • A BLO visits an orphanage located in his Part, where orphans are brought up and looked after from infancy. He finds that ‘Ramesh' is eligible for enrolment as an elector. But ‘Ramesh' is not in a position to give the names of either his father or mother. ‘Chinmaya' too is eligible for enrolment as an elector and he reveals the true name of his biological mother. What shall BLO enter in the column meant for father's/ mother's/husband's name for ‘Ramesh’ and ‘Chinmaya ’? And what shall BLO enter in the relationship column in such cases. 94 Case 3 • In one 'Ashram' or 'Akhada' a 'Sadhu' or 'Saint' is eligible to be an elector. He does not reveal his worldly name but insists to be enrolled in his rechristened name with suffix of his Guru's name instead of his father. What does BLO enter in the columns related to name of father/mother/husband and in column related to relationship? 95 Case 4 • An elector is enrolled in Part no. 35 of a particular AC. His name is in section-4, i.e. Satyam society. Now he has shifted to Riddhi-Siddhi colony which falls in section-2 of the same Part. What is required to be done by the BLO to update his entry in the electoral roll? 96 Case 5 • Mr. Hemal applies under RTI to the BLO to provide him all the photo copies of Forms 6, 7, and 8. What should the BLO do? 97 Case 6 • The BLO reaches the house of Mr. Kantibhai. The son of Mr Kantibhai, Mr. Ketanbhai is wanted in a criminal case. Mr. Kantibhai fills Form-7 for the deletion of name of Mr Ketanbhai on the pretext that his son has shifted to another State. Next time when the BLO visits the neighbour of Mr Kantibhai , the neighbour informs the BLO that Mr Ketanbhai still stays there and that he is hiding from the Police. Should the BLO delete the name of Mr. Ketanbhai on the basis of Form-7 filled by his father? 98 It's so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to. Annie Gottlier 99 100 Revision of Electoral Roll 101 Administrative Machinery of Electoral System Election Commission of India (ECI) Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Roll observer District Election Officer (DEO) Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) Supervisor Designated Officer Booth Level Officer (DLO) (BLO) 102 Electoral Roll is revised under: • Section 21, RP Act 1950: Before every general election • Section 14(b), RP Act 1950: Every year on basis of qualifying date 1st day of January. • Section 21 of RP Act, 1950: Validity and operation of electoral roll continue if not revised. • Last part of electoral roll explains service electors prepared in English. Rest part are published in local official language. Significance of Revision of Electoral Roll For free and fair election, an accurate and error-free electoral roll is the most important pre-requisite & the soul of democracy. 103 Types of Revisions Intensive Revision: • • Done de-novo without reference to earlier existing roll in an election year. BLO visits each house to take fresh entries in Form 6 Summary Revision: • • • • Done every year except in the year when intensive revision is ordered No need of House to house survey Existing roll published as draft roll inviting claims and objections After disposal of claims, rolls are finally published Partly Intensive & Partly Summary Revision: • • • Existing roll is published in draft BLOs verify/collect data from the households After disposal of claims, list of addition, deletion and correction are prepared & published with main roll as final roll 104 Special Revision: • Due to the reason of inaccuracies like omission, left out area etc, special revision is carried out • May be intensive, summary or partly intensive and partly summary revision 105 Continuous updating of electoral roll • The continuous updating is - operative from final publication to the next draft publication - not operative during the revision of the electoral roll - not operative from the last day of nominations to the end of election process • The list of entries for updating - should be put on the notice board every month and this requires BLOs to give updated data every month to EROs - should be disposed and prepared in the manuscript in duplicate by latest 25th of next month • The EROs maintain the assembly-wise registers for forms 6, 6A, 7, 8, and 8A 106 Draft publication of Electoral Roll The Draft Electoral Roll is published after the consolidation and integration of all supplements as per the following rules: • Published in Form-5 under Rule -10, RER 1960 in : • Office of ERO • Place in constituency as specified by ERO • Office of AERO • Every polling station • Website of CEO as directed by ECI • Not published on holiday • Published in office of local bodies when ERO holds a meeting 107 • After the publication of Draft Electoral Roll, the program of revision is published /circulated to various political parties, elected members of panchayati raj, urban bodies etc • Issuance of notice to invite claims/objections in Form 5 • ERO furnishes certificate just after the publication of draft roll which lists names of all enrolled MPs/ MLAs/ MLCs residing in the assembly constituency 108 Registration of persons holding declared offices Any holder of a declared office like the President, Speaker of Lok Sabha etc cannot enroll in the electoral roll in his home address AERO ensures that the names of all MP, MLA, MLC are enrolled in the electoral roll. ERO produces a certificate to CEO mentioning the names of MP, MLA, and MLC who are enrolled in electoral roll at the time of draft publication. 109 Registration of eligible persons as electors • During intensive revision, head of the family signs on the record of enumeration card to certify the person enrolled are eligible • Under section 31 of RP Act1950 – person should be punished for a term of one year/fine or with both if he declares any false information related to: • Preparation, revision or correction of an electoral roll • Inclusion of exclusion of any entry in or from an electoral roll • Instant action should be taken by the concerned officer in case of any violation of information provided to Head of family during survey 110 Enrolment of orphans Eligible orphan in orphanage can be enrolled by registering his orphanage name in place of his parents. Eligible orphan brought up by a family can be enrolled by entering name of head of family in place of his parents. Eligible orphan legally adopted by family can be enrolled by entering his adopted father/mother’s name. Any orphan not covered under above mentioned categories can be enrolled by entering “ Not Known” by BLO and entering “others” in the column of relation in the electoral roll. 111 Procedure of receiving claims and objections 1. Acknowledgment/receipt should be given for each application of claim/ objection received by BLO 2. Any claim/ objection can be given/sent to ERO by post or in person to BLO. 3. Claims/objections given in bulk by person or post not accepted 4. The claims of all members of one family can be received for the registration of names in electoral roll from any one member of the family 5. Collective acknowledgment/receipt should be issued for the same 6. Incorrect or incomplete application should not be accepted. 112 Procedure of receiving claims and objections • For special campaign days, ERO appoints Designated Officer • Written instructions given to the Designated Officer to remain present at earmarked venue • Designated Officer/ BLO will maintain list in form 9, 10, 11 and 11A Form 6,7,8, 8A. for applications received in form _____________ • Designated Officer/BLO write their recommendations on the application received for claims/objections before sending to ERO • BLO writes comments on records submitted by the applicant for proof of his age. 113 Procedure of receiving claims and objections • Hearing on application of claim/objections commence after being Form 9,10,11, 11A. exhibited in form ___________for 7 days - Rule 16(b), RER 1960 • During revision period, any claim/objection not lodged within the ERO specified period and in the given format is rejected by ____________ • ERO specifies date, time and place of hearing of claim/objection in the list 114 Disposal of Claims/Objections and application • Disposal of claims/objection: • Is a duty of ERO cannot • AERO can be authorized. ERO __________be absolved for any lapse. • Records maintained and stored for the appeals • Verification of application can be done by any person/Government employee Designated Officer/ Naib Mamlatdar/other Government employees authorized by ERO such as BLO/ _______________________________________ • Provisions for disposal of applications are covered under RP Act 1950 & RER 1960 & instructions of ECI • During continuous updation, deletion of name from the electoral roll only after hearing the person • Application should be checked for all the columns properly filled and signed 115 while receiving them. Disposal of Claims/Objections and application • Part IV Applicant must fill ____________ of form 6 for full details of previous enrollment • EPIC Number should be clearly mentioned if the applicant is an EPIC ________ holder. • ERO can suo-moto delete the names of dead electors on the basis of death certificates - Rule 21A, RER 1960 • Due to Quasi-judicial process of verification of applications, the related records should be maintained properly by BLO, AERO and ERO 116 Determination of Citizenship Only citizens of India can be enrolled in the electoral roll Onus of proof of citizenship lies on the applicant Genuineness and authenticity of certificates/evidences furnished should be duly verified 117 Finalization of electoral roll after disposal of claims and objections subsequent to draft publication 1. Electoral roll should be amended for any mistakes/errors in sections or details of other table 2. Map of Part area or legislative assembly constituency should be amended 3. Preparation of first supplementary: • • • • • • • Handwritten manuscript for additions, deletions and corrections Section wise manuscript for additions Section wise supplementary list of deletions and corrections is not necessary Certified handwritten manuscript by ERO from which the data should be entered Verification by BLO, of checklist printed after the entry of data Verification by BLO, of photo checklist also 118 Publication of draft roll Final publication of electoral roll after disposal of claims and objections Final publication of electoral roll is completed with list of amendments in form 16 in the office of ERO under rule 22 of RER 1960 Final publication of electoral roll also gets published on website of CEO as directed by ECI Not published on holidays. 119 Enrollment of overseas electors Overseas elector • An overseas elector is - an Indian citizen absent from his place of ordinary residence in India due to employment, education or otherwise - has neither included his name in electoral roll nor has acquired citizenship of any other country • He/she can register the name in the electoral roll from the part area mentioned in his/her passport 120 Enrollment of overseas electors Procedure to register as elector • Under Section 20A of the R.P.Act,1950, every Indian citizen who has not acquired citizenship of another country, can get his/her name enrolled in the roll of the constituency of his place of residence in India • Any overseas elector who has completed the age of 18 years can submit his application in form 6A either in person or by post to the concerned AERO/ERO of the residential area mentioned in his passport 121 Enrollment of overseas electors Role of BLOs • On instruction from ERO, verify the self attested copies sent by the applicant Distribution of EPIC to overseas electors • The electors overseas are not issued EPIC but use their passport for their identification to caste a vote 122 It's kind of fun to do the impossible Walt Disney 123 124 How is the electoral roll of service voters updated ? By enrolling eligible service voters who • are 18 years of age or more • have not applied for registration in previous years • wish to change their earlier declaration to either become service voters or to become ordinary voters 125 What is Service Qualification and Who is a Service Voter ? Person belonging to any of the following has ‘Service’ qualification and is referred to as Service voter • A member of armed forces of India • A member of force under the provisions of the army Act, 1950 • A member of an Armed Police Force of State who is serving outside that State • Employed under the Government of India in a post outside India • Wife of any members mentioned above who is ordinarily residing with him 126 What forms are filled to become a Service Voter ? Three kinds of forms for three different categories are filled to become a Service Voter . These are : Form 2 to be filled by all members of Armed forces Form 2A to be filled by all members of Armed Police Force of State serving outside the State Form 3 to be filled by any person employed under the Government of India posted outside India 127 Where should the applicant submit form in order to become a service voter ? At his designated Record Office or to his superior authority 128 Is it necessary for a person with service qualification to be registered as service voter ? Its not mandatory to be registered as service voter for every person who has Service Qualification. He can enroll him self as ordinary voter 129 Can a person enroll as service as well as ordinary voter at the same time ? No, it is an offence 130 Who verifies the application and its details for enrolment as service voter ? There is a service voter’s record office and the Officer-in-charge there checks the applications. This is forwarded to the concerned DEO and then to ERO for enrollment 131 How are the names of the service voters arranged in the last part of the roll ? The names of the Service Voters are grouped together record-officewise 132 What are the Roles of BLO with regard to service voters ? • Take action for getting the Form 6 filled wherever necessary • Ascertain that person with service qualification have been staying at place of residence for sufficient span of time to register him as ordinary voter • Fill form 6 for the children of all service voters eligible to be registered as ordinary voters • Fill form 6 for the husband of a service voter to be registered as ordinary voter • Wife of service voter has a choice to either be registered as service voter or ordinary voter • Should visit the units of service voters to ensure above. 133 At which polling booth the electoral roll of the last part regarding service electors is published ? The electoral roll of last part regarding service electors is not published on any polling booth but is available for inspection in the office of ERO 134 In which language is the list of service voters printed ? Printed only in English 135 Don't just live the length of your life, live the width of it as well Diane Ackerman 136 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) Front Side of EPIC 5 cm 8.4 cm FUSN Elector’s Photo Security Hologram Elector’s Name Elector’s Gender Elector’s Father/ Mother/ Husband’s Name Date of Birth 137 Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) Back of EPIC Elector’s Address EPIC Issuing Date EROs Signature Name & Number of AC 138 Some Key points In case of change of residence, roll registration needs to be changed but EPIC issued earlier remains valid BLOs collect electors’ photograph from: Onsite mode: Designated photography Location (DPL) Offsite Mode: Getting from Form 8 Getting from Form 6 House of electors with the help of camera teams Collected photographs are digitized and entered in electoral roll database EPIC is prepared from electoral roll database 139 Some Key points Only BLOs can distribute EPICs to the electors as directed by ECI Undistributed EPIC should be handed over to EROs by BLOs without fail BLOs should take certain actions to avoid errors in the Photo Electoral Roll: Thoroughly check the checklist handed over by ERO/AERO Verify/ compare the copy with the manuscripts/photographs Sign every verified page Verify the EPIC number on roll with that on the card Oversee preparation of Mother roll and Supplements from the corrected database for his/her Part Attach verification certificate at end of the electoral roll 140 Case Study 141 Case 1 Mr. Ajay is a school teacher in village Fatehpur. Instead of teaching during school hours, he goes to distribute the EPIC cards. After 15 days he receives show cause notice from his Head Office that why he should not be suspended for being absent during the teaching hours. 142 Case 2 Nazma has filled Form-6 for addition of her name. Her name is entered in the rolls and EPIC card prepared accordingly and handed over to the BLO for distribution. When BLO tries to hand over the EPIC to Nazma, she outrightly refuses to take the EPIC from the BLO on the grounds that the spelling of her name in the card is incorrect. Instead of 'Nazma' with a 'Z' in between, it has been written as as NAJMA with a 'J' in between. Nazma wants her EPIC to be corrected and argues that she will not fill up any more Forms again. 143 Case 3 Mr. Naresh has rented a portion of his house to Mr. Bhatt. Mr. Bhatt fills Form-6 for inclusion of his name in the voters list. His landlord Mr. Naresh writes an application to the ERO that Bhatt 's EPIC card should not be prepared at this address. Now the ERO forwards the application to the BLO for enquiry, What should the BLO do? 144 Case 4 A BLO visits a house in his Part. At the time of his visit, the following members are present: Trivedi Rameshbhai Ramesh bhai M-48 Trivedi Kamlaben Rameshbhai F-45 Trivedi Satish Rameshbhai M-23 Trivedi Sudha Rameshbhai F-19 As per the BLO's existing Photo Electoral Roll record, against the name of Rameshbhai and of Kamlaben EPIC No GJ/07/125/583120 and EPIC No. GJ/07/123/583121 respectively is shown. While against the name of Satish EPIC no. HCX/0058398 is shown, Sudhaben has not been enrolled yet. At the time of verification Rameshbhai produces his EPIC no. LJM/4853394, his wife produces EPIC No. LJM/485353584 and Satish produces EPIC No. HCX/0058398. Their EPICs are original and entries are correct in all respects. Upon inquiry Rameshbhai reveals that initially EPICs were issued to them during the year 2000 and the EPIC available with him and his wife is that one. They were later issued another EPIC at the new address where they shifted in 2004. They have lost those EPIC cards. The EPIC numbers entry shown against him and his wife are as per the EPICs issued in 2004. They shifted to the present address in 2007. Now they want fresh EPICs for all the four members of the family updated with age and address. Should the BLO recommend new EPICs for them and do the needful? 145 Case 5 During revision of electoral rolls a BLO visits a Mohalla/society. (a)Few voters don't have their names in roll at the new residence (b)Few have been enrolled in the roll but without photo image. Further, against the names of each of them, EPIC numbers are reflected but EPICs are not available for verification. All are demanding latest EPICs. What should the BLO do? Case 6 A BLO wants to resign from his services as a BLO. Should an ERO accept his resignation? What should the ERO do? 146 Trust, but verify Ronald Regan 147 148 Cover Page of BLO Register 149 150 151 Booth Level Officers’ register helps keep the Electoral Rolls updated and error free BLO register is to be filled up afresh every year for Revision of Rolls BLO register comprises of two parts: 1. Annexure – 1 1. BLO can make corrections to confirm the existing entries of electors which are listed household wise 2. In addition, birth date and telephone numbers are taken 152 Annexure 1 153 Annexure – 2 1. Newly developed and under construction areas/societies/apartments etc is entered here 2.Newly arrived/ newly eligible/left out electors of that part are entered here 3. Household wise, population (total of voters and non-voters) and gender ratio of that part are entered here 154 Annexure 2 1. Newly developed areas/societies/apartments 155 Annexure 2 2. Newly arrived eligible electors 156 Annexure 2 3. Population and gender ratio of that part Total number of households in this Part 157 Questionnaire for house to house verification 158 Questions to be asked during House to House Verification 1. Is the section address correct? 2. Is the Pin Code number correct? 3. Whether elector's photo image is correct? (If it is wrong or not available the correct photo is to be collected). 4. Whether the EPIC number is correct? (This is to be verified from the actual EPIC). 5. Whether elector's birth date is shown? If not shown what is the correct birth date? If birth date is not available, what is the age (verify birth date with evidence and if not verifiable the “birth date” column should be left blank). 6. Whether the house number given by Nagarpalika / Maha Nagarpalika is correctly noted? If no house number has been given by urban local body then it need not be verified. 159 Questions to be asked during House to House Verification 7. Whether the spelling of the name of the elector in local language/Hindi is correct? 8. Whether the English spelling of the name of the elector is correct? 9. Whether the relationship mentioned in the roll is correct? 10. Whether the gender is correct? 11. Whether the age is correct as on qualifying date? 12. Whether any names or all of the names of any/all family members have been repeated in the part roll? 160 Questions to be asked during House to House Verification 13. Whether all the above particulars are correct for each and every member of the family enrolled in that part? 14. Whether anybody possesses more than one EPIC for the same elector? (In such case the latest issued EPIC may be retained with the elector and the EPIC number be verified with PER entry. EPIC/s issued earlier may be taken back and deposited with the ERO). 15. Whether name of any family member is required to be deleted on account of death. (Obtain Form No.-7) 16. Whether any or all members of the family have shifted? If they have shifted, whether it is “with family” (WF) or “without family” (WoF). Obtain Form No.7 from WoF and issue notice on the spot. In case of WF, follow procedure for Form 7/ Panchnama. Probable reasons of shifting should be mentioned. 17. What is the telephone number of each voter enrolled in the family? If the family prefers to give only one telephone number for all, take note accordingly ( Annexure-II). 161 Questions to be asked during House to House Verification 18. Is there any member of the family who has turned 18 years on qualifying date and is yet to be enrolled? (Give Form-6 and note in Annexure-II). 19. Is there any member of the family who has recently joined this household on the grounds of marriage, employment, tenant etc? (Give Form 6 and note in Annexure-II). 20. Are there any new societies, public building, public areas that have come up since the last revision of rolls in the knowledge of the voter? If yes, check whether there are voters living there, if yes then Form No.6 or Form No. 8A as required may be given and details noted in Annexure-II. 21. What is the total number of members of the family including voters and non-voters residing in the household? 22. Out of the total family members residing in the household (including voters and non-voters) how many are male and how many female? 162 Always remember you are unique, just like everyone else Unknown 163 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) BLAs are representatives appointed by the political parties under the direction of Election Commission, to help BLOs in Electoral Roll Management Informs Election Commission Appoints Political Party Booth Level Agents Duties - Assists people in filing claim/objection properly - Remains present during the campaigns and help BLOs - Verifies and conducts survey of the dead and shifted electors - Understands and scrutinizes the electoral roll and points out corrections, if any, during meeting with BLO - Helps BLO in continuous updating of the electoral roll 164 National Voters Day What is National Voters Day? Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on 25th January, 1950 National Voters Day is celebrated on the founding day of ECI i.e. 25th January every year It was celebrated for the first time in January 2011, called “Rashtriya Matdata Divas” in Hindi 165 Objective of National Voters Day To ensure maximum enrolment of youth To spread awareness amongst voters of their rights and duties To create awareness amongst voters about the process of enrolment To request the participation of voters in helping the Election Officers to maintain clean and error free roles To empower the youth and instill a sense of pride amongst them To inspire youth to exercise their franchise 166 Role of BLO towards celebrating NVD Responsible for conducting voters’ education activities Identify and enroll all newly eligible (18+) electors Ensure that error free EPIC cards are given to the electors Distribute EPICs and badge - “Proud to be a Voter-ready to Vote” to the newly eligible voters on 25th January every year Administer the pledge to newly enrolled electors on NVD Maintain a list of Higher Secondary Schools/Colleges/Higher educational institutions in his Part Area for enrolling youth. Locate and educate youth who do not go to such educational institutions and impart education on enrollment and duties as a voter . 167 The Pledge “ We, the citizens of India, having abiding faith in democracy, hereby pledge to uphold the democratic traditions of our country and the dignity of free, fair and peaceful elections, and to vote in every election fearlessly and without being influenced by considerations of religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement.” 168 Checklist for BLOs for preparing Electoral Roll • Keep all the details and information of his/her AERO and ERO • Ensure his/her presence in the training imparted to him/her on the electoral roll • Understand each and every aspect of the electoral roll of the part given to him • Study the checklist of actions to be taken during pre-revision, during revision, post-revision and EPIC campaign period • Revision of rolls with qualifying date 1st January, 2012 • pre-revision upto 30th September, 2011 • during revision 1st October, 2011 to 5th January, 2012 • post-revision after 5th January, 2012 • EPIC campaign period during pre-revision & revision period 169 Evaluation of work done by BLOs CEO/DEO/ERO/AERO evaluate BLOs by randomly verifying the work with the checklist prepared by Election Commission The verification visits are informed in advance BLO is subject to the disciplinary control of the Commission under section 13 CC of RP Act, 1950 Answerable for their acts, omissions and commisions and liable for punishment under section 32 of the RP Act, 1950 for any misconduct 170 Checklist for the BLOs to help them track their own work 171 In a gentle way, you can shake the world Gandhiji 172 Certified copy of any part of electoral roll Rolls are published/printed only at the time of revision Draft Rolls Final Roll Certified copy of Roll can be taken after final publication from AERO/ERO. Can be viewed online Intervening period – Rolls are not published/printed but are updated online Certified copy of Roll can be taken after preparation of manuscript from AERO/ERO 173 Duties of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) Duties Responsibility 174 Select and appoint different levels - BLO, Designated Officers, Supervisors Conduct proper training of these personnel Advertise revision program via news papers, hand bills, loudspeakers etc Prepare work plan to complete revision successfully Arrange sufficient stationary and forms Provide free, to national and state political parties 2 copies of PER – 1 printed copy 2 soft copy (pdf) without photographs - Rule 11(c) of ERR, 960 Rectify defects in electoral roll with help of political parties Display details of application in formats 9,10, 11 & 11A Receive claims and objections, issue notices, inquire, hear and decide Prepare manuscript before printing supplement. Make final publication of PER in format – 16 Add /delete names added or omitted in electoral roll inadvertently- Rule 21 and 21A of ERR,1960 Prepare list of claims & objections in English Action to delete voter name in cases of unserved non bailable warrant issued by any competent court Receive copy of clams/ objections with documentary proofs and record details in register ER-1 to 4 Delete electors name from electoral roll if he doesn't come after notice issued Monitor work of AERO, Supervisors, Designated Oficers and BLOs Record acceptance/ rejection and reasons of the same of claim/objection on every application. 175 Duty is what one expects from others Oscar Wilde 176 Gram Sabhas and Role of BLOs • BLOs read out the list of the following to the sabha - Addition of names - Deletion of names - Modification of names Courtesy: http://www.indiatogether.org/2005/sep/wom-attend.htm - Duplicate names - Details of the households with more than 10 voters • The reading is done with an order issued under the signature of the concerned ERO The following details are covered in the order Name of AC: ______________ Part No. Urban/ Rural Date of Gram Sabha/ ward meeting Venue of Meeting Time of meeting Name of the class II officer deputed by ERO to attend meeting Designation of class II officer deputed by ERO to attend meeting Contact number of officer deputed BLOs name and contact number Remarks 177 Reporting the meeting BLOs submit a report on completion of the meeting in the given format Report by BLO of Reading of Electoral Roll of Part in Gram Sabha/Ward Meeting Sr. No Name of Officer/ employee deputed by ERO to attend meeting Address of place where electoral roll reading meeting was held Date of meetin g Serial number of part or parts of electoral roll/s read in the meeting Number of persons who attended the meeting Number of persons above 80 years of age in the roll Number of families with more than 10 persons registered as voters in roll Number of dead voters in roll Number of shifted voters Number of claims and objections received up till date of this meetings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11b 11 c 11 d 11 e 7 8 8A 6A a 6 Signature of Talati Name of Talalti Village/Sehra: Signature of BLO Name of BLO Designation Part No : AC Name: Signature of officer deputed Name of Officer Designation of Officer Please note: This report is to be send directly to the Office of the concerned AERO, with a copy marked to the concerned ERO * List of names given in column 7,8,9,10 to be read out in the gramshbha 178 Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored Aldous Huxley 179 Knowledge on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Balloting unit is in the voting compartment “Cu is managed by Presiding/ Polling officer” The machine has been devised by ECI in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd. (Bangalore) and Electronic Corporation of India Ltd. (Hyderabad) 180 Advantages of Electronic Voting Machine The voter can press the blue button against his choice Very useful in areas where people are not literate Four Ballot Units can be attached to it, covering 64 candidates Can record 3840 votes Runs on battery, thus saves electricity 181 • Can be helpful in preventing booth capturing as machine is set to record only 5 votes in a minute • Ensures the principle of 'one man-one vote' as the machine gets locked once the button is pressed for a particular candidate • The pace of poll is increased as the time taken in folding ballot paper is saved • It saves printing of millions of ballot papers further saving the cost of printing, transportation, storage and distribution • The counting can be done in 2 to 3 hrs against 30 – 40 hrs taken in physically counting ballot papers 182 DOs • Read the EVM Manual carefully before operating the EVM • Press the latches gently and only in the manner specified • Protect the EVM from dust, heat, rain, fire and other such hazardous environments • Use Power pack specially supplied • Remove Power pack from the Control Unit ONLY AFTER COUNTING IS OVER • Ensure that the covers of the compartments / Sections in the Ballot Unit and the Control Unit rest properly on the plain surface when opened 183 DON'Ts Do not • exert undue pressure on latches, hinges etc. • keep EVM near heater or other hot objects • allow molten lac/sealing wax to fall on the EVM while sealing • force open the covers or doors of various sections • remove the Strip Seal until the Control Unit is on counting table • remove power pack from the Control Unit used for poll • force the connector fixed at the end of the Interconnecting cable into the connector of Control Unit in the reverse direction • pull the Interconnecting cable while disconnecting it from the Control unit without pressing the spring type clips on the hood of the connector 184 Let’s us be Team Players 185 Thank You 186