The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to enhance the electoral roll updating process by electronically receiving death registration data from states and Union Territories. This initiative follows the recent amendment to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of 1969, allowing the use of this data for updating voter lists. The ECI has initiated the integration of its systems with the Registrar General of India’s data, with a majority of states already on board.
“The Commission will now obtain death registration data electronically from the Registrar General of India in line with Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (as amended in 2023),” an ECI statement outlined. This new system promises to deliver timely updates to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) regarding registered deaths.
Furthermore, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be empowered to verify this information through field visits, eliminating the need to wait for formal requests using Form 7. Sources indicate this electronic data will serve as an additional information source, enabling the updating process to commence even if the family of a deceased elector has not submitted Form 7.
Upon receiving the electronic data, BLOs will visit the families of deceased electors to assist in filling out Form 7. It is important to note that deletions from the electoral rolls will only occur based on the information provided in Form 7, which serves as the official request for removing an elector.
In a statement on March 20, the ECI highlighted its commitment to maintaining an accurate voter list in collaboration with birth and death registration authorities, underscoring the importance of regular updates. This initiative not only streamlines processes but also enhances the accountability and responsiveness of the electoral system.
This shift towards electronic data management marks a significant step in modernizing the electoral process in India, aligning with broader governance goals. By ensuring timely updates to electoral rolls, the ECI aims to maintain the integrity of the voting system, ultimately facilitating a better democratic process.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ec-to-soon-get-death-registration-data-electronically-from-states-uts-9977804/
Category : India
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 01:01:00
