Session 5

Voter Education

engaging Gram Sabha

Booth Level Agent (BLA)

Booth Level Volunteers (BLV) etc.Booth Level Volunteers (BLV) etc.

(slides 2 to 5)

+

Summary of BLO Training (slides 6 to 104)

+

Final Publication of Electoral Roll (slide 105-123)

1

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

- Duplicate names

- Details of the households with more than 10 voters

Courtesy: http://www.indiatogether.org/2005/sep/wom-attend.htm

2

• 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/ wardmeeting

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 EROto attend meeting

Contact number of officer deputed

BLOs name and contact number

Remarks

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 meeting

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

a11b 11

c11d

11e

3

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

a c d e

6 7 8 8A 6A

Booth Level Agents (BLAs)

BLAs are officers appointed by the political parties under the direction of Election

Commission, to help BLOs in Electoral Roll Management – He should be a registered

elector of that Polling Station with EPIC.

Duties

Election Commission Political Party Booth Level AgentsAppointsInforms

4

- 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

- Is responsible if the survey is faulty

- Cross check and verifies the electoral roll during meeting with BLO

- Helps in continuous updating of the electoral roll

Booth Level Volunteer (BLVs)

• With to view to elicit the cooperation of the

NGOs, CSOs, RWAs and any other non-

political organisation, the Commission has

allowed that any enthusiastic person willing

to help in the roll related work, can work as

Booth Level Volunteer. Booth Level Volunteer.

•He should be a registered elector of that

polling station to whom EPIC has been issued.

•He is allowed to file application forms in bulk

during the period of continuous updation

only, subject to certain conditions.

•Refer the Commission’s instructions in this

regard.

Training for Booth Level Officers

(BLOs)

6

One day Schedule

BLOsDuties &

Roles

Enrollment of electors

EPIC

Booth Level Agents

BLOs role in Gram Sabhas

7

BLOsAppointment

Photo Electoral Rolls

BLO Register

Session 1

Ice Breaker

8

Count the circles

9

Count the circles now

10

You can make things easier

by doing them systematically

Session 2/1

Position of BLOs in the electoral administration

Administrative Machinery of Electoral Registration

Chief Electoral Officer

(CEO)

District Election Officer

(DEO)

Election Commission of India

(ECI)

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Supervisor

Electoral Registration Officer

(ERO)

Assistant Electoral Registration Officer

(AERO)

Booth Level Officer

(BLO)

Booth Level Officer (BLO)

• He is responsible for maintaining the electoral roll of the assigned part

area under the control and supervision of Election Commission of

India/ Chief Electoral Officer of state/DEO/ERO/AERO concerned

• 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

13

• 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

is updated on the website of ECI/CEO.

• Each BLO will be issued a special kit and is entitled to remuneration

• Punishment for willful default u/s 32 RP Act 1950

Session 2/2

Know your AC parts Area

AC Parts and Sections

• Electoral Rolls are organized as geographically

defined parts

• Parts are numbered and organized as

geographically identified sections

Electoral Rolls

Parts

Sections

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• Sections denote locality and area details and

contain household wise individual elector

details

• Each part has an identified polling station

where electors cast their votes on the poll day

Sections

Locality Area

Households

THE PART AREA MAP

• 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 about new constructions or jhuggis etc.

16

• Ensure the new houses build in their part area are depicted in the Nazari map for next revision

• If possible GIS map of the map should be procured/ copied from the internet.

• Develop local contacts in their sections to remain updated about the advent of new persons, shifting of residents, death etc.

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.

17

Sample of Nazari(illustrative)

18

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

19

23

456

7 89

1

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?

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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?

Session 3/1

Know the electoral role of the part

under your chargeunder your charge

Photo Electoral Roll

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• 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

Electoral Roll

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Title Page

The Title page has :

• Details of the concerned

Assembly constituency

Components

Assembly Constituency of

the State of Meghalaya

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• Clearly demarcated Nazari

map of that assembly

constituency on the back of

the title page

Details of the parts of

the AC

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

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Details of the sections

of the part

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

Details of the

sections Details of the

assembly

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number wise of every section

starting with one and goes

horizontally

• details of electors with photo

House numbers

Electors details

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

Summary of

Electors

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• One or more supplements can be attached with mother roll due to several revisions

Deletion List

Addition List

Mother Roll

• The first copy of the electoral roll created by the BLOs by visiting house to house and published by the EROs

• Any addition, deletion or changes are

Name of ACName of PC

Details of AC

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• Any addition, deletion or changes are reflected in the supplement roll of that year.

• There is provision for integration of these rolls also

Mother Roll Supplement

Sample 1 – Change due to deletion

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Sample 2 – Change due to correction (Incorrect photo)

Entry in

Mother Roll

30

Entry in Supplement

– for change

• Changes in the total number of the entries

Entry in

Mother Roll

31

Entry in

Supplement

Session 3/2

Physical verification of the rollPhysical verification of the roll

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

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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.

Questions to be asked during House to House Verification

7. Whether the vernacular spelling of the name of the elector 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 beenrepeated in the part roll?

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 tragic demise. (Obtain Form No.-7) demise. (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).

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 thegrounds of marriage, employment, tenant etc? (Give Form 6 and note inAnnexure-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

Questions to be asked during House to House Verification

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?

Session 4/1

Revision

Administrative Machinery of Electoral System

Chief Electoral Officer

(CEO)

District Election Officer

(DEO)

Election Commission of India

(ECI)

Roll observer

39

Supervisor

Electoral Registration Officer

(ERO)

Assistant Electoral Registration Officer

(AERO)

Booth Level Officer

(BLO)

Designated Officer

(DLO)

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

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• No need of House to house survey

• Existing roll published inviting claims and objections

• After disposal of claims, rolls are 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

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

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• May be intensive, summary or partly intensive and partly summary revision

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

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• 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 o-wise four registers for forms 6,7,8, and 8A

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 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

43

Form 8 - Every objection 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.

Transposition (Form 8A)

Part & Sl. No. of

previous enrollment

EPIC

Ordinary

residence

44

Correction (Form 8)

residence

Part & Sl. No. of

enrollment

Evidence in favour of

correction sought for

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

45

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.

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 for

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• Designated Officer/ BLO will maintain list in form 9, 10, 11 and 11A 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.

Form 6,7,8, 8A.

Procedure of receiving claims and objections

• Hearing on application of claim/objections commence after being exhibited

in form ___________ for 7 days - Rule 16(b), RER 1960

• During revision period, any claim/objection not lodged within the specified

Form 9,10,11, 11A.

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• During revision period, any claim/objection not lodged within the specified

period and in the given format is rejected by ____________

• ERO specifies date, time and place of hearing of claim/objection in the list

ERO

48

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Registration of persons holding declared offices

Any holder of a declared office like Presidents, 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

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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.

Enrollment of overseas electors

• 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

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• He/she can register the name in the electoral roll from the part area

mentioned in his/her passport

• Any overseas elector who has completed the age of 18 years can

submit his application form 6A either in person or by post to the

concerned AERO/ERO of the residential area mentioned in his

passport

Enrollment of overseas electors (Contd.)

Role of BLOs

• On instruction from ERO, verify the self attested copies sent by the

applicant

No EPIC to overseas electors

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No EPIC to overseas electors

• The electors overseas are not issued EPIC but use their passport for their

identification to caste a vote

Enrolment of Service Voters

Person belonging to any of the following has ‘Service’ qualification and

is referred to as Service voter

• A member of armed forces of India

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• 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

Enrolment of Service Voters

(Contd.) ?• Three kinds of forms for three different categories are filled

to become a Service Voter. • Forms are submitted at his designated Record Office or to

his superior authority.

• It is not mandatory to be registered as service voter for

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• It is not mandatory to be registered as service voter for every person who has Service Qualification.

• He can enroll himself as ordinary voter• A service voter can either register as service voter or an

ordinary voter. Registering at both places is an offence.• BLO’s role comes when

- when a service decides to register as a general voter

- His/ her family members who are not service voters want to register.

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

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• 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.

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 orphanage

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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 “Known” by BLO

Inclusion (Form 6)

New Voter

Shifted from other ACMarried women

•Age

•Parental Linkage in

Electoral Roll (for

citizenship issue)

/citizenship proof

•Ordinary residenceStudents

• “Age proof” like birth

certificate, certificate

from school

• “Citizenship proof” like

copy of EPIC of parents

• “Proof of Ordinary

Residence” like

rationcard, passport etc

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Shifted from other AC

• Address of previous

residence

• Ac No.& if possible

Part/Sl. No. of

previous enrollment

• EPIC or other

citizenship evidence

• Ordinary residence

Voters above 25 yrs

•Declaration as to delayed

registration (age>25 yrs) (Part

4 of form 6)

•Special care to verify

citizenship status

•Ordinary residence

• “Age proof”

• “Nationality proof”

• Proof of Ordinary

Residence before

marriage

• Marriage Registration

Certificate

• “proof of Ordinary

Residence

Important Documents Needed for forms

• Age Proof (Either of the documents can be given)- Birth certificate issued by Municipal Authority or District Office

- School Leaving Certificate

- Copy of mark sheet of class 10 if passed class 10 or more

- Copy of marksheet of class 8 with date of birth

- Copy of mark sheet of class 5 with date of birth

- Parents declaration of the age of the child not educated

- Certificate by Primary Health Centres (PHC)

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- Certificate by Primary Health Centres (PHC)

- For voters above 25 years, Gram Panchayat can certify age

• Proof of Citizenship (Either of the documents can be given)- Copy of EPIC of parents

- Birth Certificate issued by Municipal authority

- Passport

• Proof of Ordinary Residence (Either of the documents can be given)

- Bank/Kisan/Post office current passbook

- Applicant's Ration card/ Passport/ Driving License/ Income Tax Assessment Order

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Assessment Order

- Latest Water/Telephone/Electricity/Gas connection Bill for that address, either in the name of the applicant or that of his/her immediate relation

- Postal Departments posts received/ delivered in the applicant's name at the given address

• 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)

Important Documents Needed for forms

For Married Women

applying for the first time

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- 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

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

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• If linkage is not possible

- Electors can enroll on the basis of the following proofs

(i) Citizenship

(ii) Age

(iii) Ordinary residence

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:

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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

• 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 60 in the office of ERO

under rule 22 of RER 1960

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Final publication of electoral roll also gets published

on website of CEO as directed by ECI

No publication on general holiday

Session 4/2Case studies on revision of rolls

Case Study

65

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

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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?

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

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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.

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

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instead of his father. What does BLO enter in the

columns related to name of father/mother/husband

and in column related to relationship?

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

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required to be done by the BLO to update his entry

in the electoral roll?

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?

70

Case 6

• The BLO reaches the house of Mr. Kantibhai. unknown to the BLO the son of Mr Kantibhai, that is, 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 when the BLO visits the

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another State. Next when the BLO visits the neighbour of Mr Kantibhai , the neighbour informs the BLO that Mr Kantibhai still stays there and that he is hiding from the Police. Should the BLO delete the name of Mr. Kantibhai on the basis of Form-7 filled by his father?

Session 5/1

Electors Photo Identity cards (EPIC)

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Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)Front Side of EPIC

FUSN

5 cm

8.4

cm

73

Elector’s Name

Elector’s Father/ Mother/

Husband’s Name

FUSN

Elector’s Gender

Date of Birth

Security Hologram

Elector’s Photo

Back of EPIC

Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

Elector’s Address

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EPIC Issuing Date

EROs Signature Name & Number of

AC

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)

Some Key points

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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

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

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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

Case Study

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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.

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suspended for being absent during the teaching hours.

Najma 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 Najma, she

outrightly refuses to take the EPIC from the BLO on the

Case 2

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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 'Najma' with a ‘j' in between, it has

been written as as NAZMA with a ‘z' in between. Najma

wants her EPIC to be corrected and argues that she will

not fill up any more Forms again.

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.

Case 3

80

at this address.

Now the ERO forwards the application to the BLO for

enquiry, What should the BLO do?

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

Case 4

81

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?

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.

Case 5

82

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?

Session 5/2

Helping hands

Gram SabhaGram Sabha

Booth Level Agent (BLA)

Booth Level Volunteers (BLV)

83

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

- Duplicate names

- Details of the households with more than 10 voters

Courtesy: http://www.indiatogether.org/2005/sep/wom-attend.htm

84

• 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/ wardmeeting

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 EROto attend meeting

Contact number of officer deputed

BLOs name and contact number

Remarks

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 meeting

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

a11b 11

c11d

11e

85

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

a c d e

6 7 8 8A 6A

Booth Level Agents (BLAs)

BLAs are officers appointed by the political parties under the direction of Election Commission, to help BLOs in Electoral Roll Management – A registered elector of the AC part who has EPIC can be nominated.

Duties

Election Commission Political Party Booth Level AgentsAppointsInforms

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

- Is responsible if the survey is faulty

- Understands and scrutinizes the Electoral Roll during meeting with BLO

- Helps continuous updating of the Electoral Roll

Booth Level Volunteers (BLVs)

BLVs are volunteers appointed by the DEO to help the BLO in doing his work. They may be office bearers of RWAs, members of NGOs etc.

Duties

• Assists people in filing claim/objection properly

• Verifies and conducts survey of the dead and shifted electors

• Understands and scrutinizes the Electoral Roll during meeting with BLO

• Helps continuous updating of the Electoral Roll

• Helps in ensuring purity of electoral rolls

• Helps in SVEEP programme

Session 5/3

National Voters Day

88

What is National Voters Day?

National Voters Day

89

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 Matdar Divas” in Hindi

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

90

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

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 VoterProud to be a VoterProud to be a VoterProud to be a Voter----ready to Voteready to Voteready to Voteready to Vote” to the newly eligible voters on 25th January every year

91

voters on 25 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 .

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.”

92

Session 5/4

BLO Register and Checklist

93

Cover Page of BLO Register

94

95

96

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

97

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

Annexure 1

98

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

99

here

3. Household wise, population (total of voters and non-voters) and gender ratio of that part are entered here

Annexure 21. Newly developed areas/societies/apartments

100

Annexure 22. Newly arrived eligible electors

101

Annexure 23. Population and gender ratio of that part

Total number of households in this Part

102

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.

103

Intervening period – Rolls are not published/printed but are updated online

AERO/ERO.

Can be viewed online

Certified copy of Roll can be

taken after preparation of

manuscript from AERO/ERO

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

Revision Period• Structural revision and updating of rolls

• Coordination with BLAs• Displaying draft rolls

• Reading of rolls in gram sabhas

Special Direction• Photo coverage in the roll

• Obtain geographical information of Part area

• Coordination with BLAs• Impart Systematic Voters Education for Electoral Participation (SVEEP)

• Distribution of voters slip before polls• Any other work under the instruction

of ERO/AERO

Final Publication of Electoral Roll(slide 106-123)

Complete

Statistical

analysis of data

in format 1 to 8

Send proposal

seeking prior

approval of ECI for

final publication of

roll

Proposal should

give justification

for deviations in

format 1 to 8

After approval of

Commission

publish on ERO

notice board, PS

notice board and

CEO website

Give one hard

copy and one

soft copy to all

recognized

political parties

9 10 10 11

12141516

Steps for Final publication

Dispose the

claims and

objections after

following due

procedure

Prepare the Final

list of

Supplementary

for each part

Get supplement

for every Part,

even if there are

no amendments

Supplements of

Parts without

amendments,

should provide “nil”

information

ERO – Continue

with your order

related to claims

and objections

for another

Parts

Do not wait for disposal

of all claims and

objections, continue

with supplement

preparation of individual

Part

ERO prepares Final

List for Parts with no

claims and objections

, and no action

under rule 21/21A is

needed

rollformat 1 to 8

1 2 3 4

567

8

List of Amendments (Supplements)

• Final Roll is the Draft Roll with the lists of supplements prepared in the prescribed format.

• Supplements have three components:

1. Component I – Additions

2. Component II – Deletions

3. Component III – Corrections

• All components of supplements are in same language as of basic Electoral Roll • All components of supplements are in same language as of basic Electoral Roll published as Draft

• Serial numbers for voters in Supplement - Component I is the continuation of last serial number in draft Roll

• If there are no entries in one or more components, “nil” is entered under the relevant heading

• In case of all “nil” amendments, “nil” Final lists of amendments are prepared

Statistical Analysis in Format

1 to 8

• Assembly and PS wise analysis of EP ratio, Sex

ratio, Age Cohorts, additions and deletions

percentages against expected values

• Permission to be sought from ECI for final • Permission to be sought from ECI for final

publication based on Statistical Analysis

Printing of Final Roll

• PDF copy of supplements with summary sheet is printed as soon as the Final lists of amendments are prepared and Finalized

• Name and designation of ERO is printed at the end of all copies of Final lists of amendments

• Parallel to the above, a pdf copy of supplements is • Parallel to the above, a pdf copy of supplements is appended to draft Roll and complete set of Electoral Roll is uploaded on CEO’s website in public domain with search facility

Printing of Final Roll

• Title page with date of publication should be added on the top

• The order of pages stitched together are: title page, table of contents, general

Part of Electoral Roll and last Part (service voters) of Electoral Roll

• Notice is displayed in Form 16 for statutory publication of Electoral (Annexure

6.1)

• ERO ensures the correct arrangement and completion of Electoral Roll before

sending it for publication

Annexure 6.1

Free Supply of Copies to Recognized Political Parties

• ERO supplies free of cost two complete sets of Electoral Rolls to all the recognized political parties in the State (Both National and State recognized parties) after every publication of Roll

• One copy is hard copy and other is soft PDF copy

• Soft PDF copy has only elector details without photographs. It only indicates whether photographs are available

• ERO prepares an authentic copy of Roll with each page ink signed by two assigned officers.

• Copy of authentic Roll is kept with DEO for record purposes.

Final Roll in an Election Year

• Authentic copy of Roll is computer generated copy and all deletions are “strike

through” in the mother Roll by software

• “DELETED” is imprinted diagonally across the elector’s box in the photo – Roll

whose name is in deletion list with the authenticated signatures in red ink

In the election year:

• Hash(#) mark is imprinted against the original record in Draft Roll to signify the

correction entry in the supplement

• “Photo as in supplement” is inscribed across the photo box for the photographs

either added/ corrected/ deleted

• Another supplement to the Finally published copy of Roll is prepared due to the

continuation of elector registration till last day of the nominations. The same

procedure follows for additions/deletions/ corrections for this supplement

Final Roll in Non-Election Year

• Final Roll is published similarly as in the election year with only difference

of:

– No need of marking ‘strike-through’ or ‘#’ in the basic Roll to

In the non-election year:

– No need of marking ‘strike-through’ or ‘#’ in the basic Roll to

indicate changes effected in the supplements

• Basic Roll is not re-printed at the time of Final publication

• Number of copies required for Final publication is easily assessed and

printed while printing the Draft Roll

Custody and Upkeep of Electoral Rolls and Connected Papers

• Following papers are kept in EROs’ office or at place specified by CEO after Roll

is Finally published under Sub-rule(1) of Rule 32 of RER, 1960:

– A complete copy of Roll

– Statements submitted to ERO under Rule 7

– Statements submitted to ERO under Rule 8

– Register of enumeration Forms– Register of enumeration Forms

– Applications related to preparation of Roll

– Manuscript Parts prepared by enumerating agencies and used for

compiling

– Papers related to claims and objections

– Papers related to appeals under Rule 23

– Applications under Section 22 & 23 of RPA,1950

• Electoral Roll for each Polling booth is kept with the mother Roll folder related

to intensive/summary revision plus all supporting documents as directed by ECI

Inspection & Certified Copy of Electoral Rolls

• Every person has right to inspect the election papers under Rule 32 of

RER,1960 and can procure attested copies on payment

• Certified copy of relevant entries of Electoral Roll can be given to the person

in prescribed formats based on text Roll or photo Roll (annexure 6.2 & 6.3)

Annexure 6.2 Annexure 6.3Annexure 6.2 & 6.3

Inspection & Certified Copy of Electoral Rolls

• Only certified copy of entry related to oneself in photo Roll can be obtained by an applicant

• Attested/certified copies of complete Electoral Roll is supplied under Right to Information Act 2005 or Rule 23 of RER,1960 if demanded

• Individual entries or selective pages are not provided under RTI

Application Received Under RTI is Dealt in

Context of Section 8(1)(j) of RTI, 2005

Disposal of Electoral Rolls and Connected Papers

• The expired papers in rule 32 related to general/special revision ordered

by ECI are disposed off as directed by CEO

• These papers are shredded and made into pulp for recycling on the

specified expiry period

• Excessive Copies of Electoral Roll are disposed of after 3 months period

from the date of Final publication of Electoral Roll after next intensive

revision

Returning Officers (RO) and Electoral Roll for Conduct of

Elections

• Electoral Roll including all supplements carrying modifications till last day of nominations is the Final Roll used for the purpose of conduct of election

• RO allows inspection of the complete Roll of the Constituency

• RO provides identical copies of Final Electoral Roll to the candidates of recognized political parties of the State within three days after the date of withdrawals and Finalization of candidate . This is not necessary during bye –elections

Returning Officers (RO) and Electoral Roll for Conduct of

Elections

• One copy of Final Roll is used for marking the names of electors who are issued post ballot (PB) and election duty certificates (EDC)

• Proxy voter list in the prescribed format is attached to this copy of Roll set • Proxy voter list in the prescribed format is attached to this copy of Roll set apart for marking

• Three more identical copies of this Final Roll is given to presiding officer and Polling team to conduct elections and are called “Working Copies”of Roll

RO and Electoral Roll for Conduct of Elections

• Commission had received representation in the past for the arbitrary deletions of entries in the Electoral Rolls used by Polling parties

• In the same context, ECI issued some instructions:

– Copies of Electoral Rolls supplied to candidates should be identical to working copy of Roll supplied to Polling team except the PB, EDC markings and proxy voter’s list

– Working copy with PB, EDC markings is shown to agents and candidates before Polling so that they can compare entries, deletions and corrections with their copies

– Three working copies, statutory marked should be sealed and submitted to RO for safe custody

– Names should be printed alphabetically in the Roll for easy identification and search of voters inside Polling Station

124Thank You