Udupi DC Clarifies Voter List Process: No Additional Documents Needed if Name Exists, Signature on BLO Form is Sufficient

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Udupi : DC Swaroopa T.K. clarified that voters whose names are already present in the electoral roll only need to fill out the form provided by the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and submit it with their signature. Under such circumstances, there is absolutely no requirement to provide any additional supporting documents. However, she emphasized that submitting official documents becomes mandatory only when a voter requests a name change or if their name is completely missing from the list and has not been mapped properly.

Speaking at an interactive session organized on Friday by the District Working Journalists Association in collaboration with the Udupi Press Club, the DC explained that document submission is necessary exclusively when there is a mismatch in names or initials between the current voter ID card and other official records. Even in such cases, appropriate notices will be issued during the verification process. For regular voters, filling out the form obtained from the BLOs, pasting a photograph, and returning it with a valid signature remains the most crucial step.

Voters must return one copy of the form received from the BLOs and retain the duplicate for their own records. When the draft electoral roll is officially published on August 5, citizens can verify their names, and if anyone finds their name missing, they can file an objection using their copy of the form. The authorities will then verify the objection, collect the necessary documents, and proceed with the rectification. The DC noted that names usually go missing from the list due to two main reasons: either the voter fails to return the signed form, or the BLO fails to upload it. Apart from these two scenarios, no eligible voter’s name will be excluded, making it vital for citizens to return their signed forms. She warned that strict action would be taken against BLOs who fail to upload the forms.

It is mandatory for BLOs to personally visit every household listed in the electoral roll to distribute the forms. If a house is locked, they must paste a notice on the door and make up at least three separate attempts to visit the residence. BLOs are also required to personally visit the houses again to collect the filled-in forms, whereas Booth Level Assistants (BLAs) are only meant to act as helpers. Voters facing any issues regarding this process can contact their respective ward helpline centers. The DC strictly warned that BLOs cannot refuse home visits under any circumstances.

Following the publication of the draft voter list on August 5, individuals whose names have been omitted will need to submit one or two supporting documents out of the 11 designated options prescribed by the government. These acceptable documents include an SSLC marks card, a valid passport, or any government-issued identity card, though an Aadhaar card will not be accepted for this purpose. The primary criteria remain that the applicant must be an Indian citizen and must have completed 18 years of age, supported by the Election Commission’s approved documentation.

To resolve any confusion regarding the forms and to assist the public, specific officers have been appointed at the taluk level, and dedicated volunteers have been deployed at the polling booths. These volunteers will be available to assist citizens even on Sundays. The District Commissioner added that if citizens have any grievances or complaints regarding the functioning of the BLOs, they can directly contact the Sector Officers or the respective Tahsildar over the phone.

Addressing the current reliance on teachers and Anganwadi workers for the ongoing SIR (Special Summary Revision) process, the DC acknowledged that their deployment has caused disruptions in school education and the functioning of Anganwadi centers. However, she stated that there is currently no alternative mechanism available, emphasizing that completing the SIR process is the utmost priority at the moment and cannot be bypassed.