Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) R.S. Gopalan on Monday shared the state’s training and experience on the successful implementation of the Special Intensive Revision of Voter List with election officers of Maharashtra.On the invitation of Maharashtra CEO S. Chokalingam, Gopalan visited Mumbai and addressed four Additional Municipal Commissioners of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, District Election Officers of five districts and Electoral Registration Officers.
The seminar focused in detail on the planning, review and implementation of the Special Intensive Revision of Voter List conducted in Odisha. Gopalan highlighted key aspects including accurate mapping of voters, area-level coordination, technology-based monitoring, issuance of notices, hearings and resolution of cases within the stipulated time frame.
He said the Odisha model prioritized data-based monitoring and accountability at every level. Continuous review of mapping progress at booth and BLO levels was carried out with special focus on underperforming areas. This was supported by citizen facilitation and awareness through the SVEEP programme to increase voter participation.
Gopalan elaborated on the process of mapping the current voter list with the previous voter list in Odisha, and how mapped, unmapped and discrepancy cases are being identified in a systematic manner. He stressed on continuous monitoring of mapping progress, special interventions in areas with slow progress, and regular reviews at the assembly constituency and district level. According to him, data-based monitoring and clear accountability at every stage are the key features of the Odisha model.
He also gave detailed information on the notice and hearing stages of SIR. He emphasized timely preparation and issuance of notices, scheduling hearings with adequate time for voters, verification of documents and claims, recording of hearing details and timely disposal of cases. He added that continuous monitoring of notices and hearings is essential to ensure no case remains pending within the time limit.
Gopalan further spoke on strengthening the system at the level of Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, monitoring at the BLO level, prompt resolution of technical and operational issues and continuous oversight of the revision process.
“The experience of Odisha has proven that regular review meetings, identification of issues and prompt corrective measures are very important in successfully conducting the voter list revision process,” he said.
Maharashtra election officers discussed various operational aspects of SIR implementation with Gopalan during the interaction.
Appreciating the Odisha model, Maharashtra CEO S. Chokkalingam said the well-organized approach adopted by Odisha, especially in mapping, monitoring, preparation of notices and hearings, will be suitably tested and adopted for the successful implementation of SIR in Maharashtra.
