Training for Booth Level Officers (BLOs)

1

One day Schedule

2

BLOsAppointment

BLOsDuties & Roles

Enrollment of electors

Photo Electoral Rolls

EPIC

Booth Level Agents

BLO Register

BLOs role in Gram Sabhas

Session 1Ice Breaker

3

4

Count the circles

5

Count the circles now

You can make things easier by doing them systematically

Session 2/1Position of BLOs in the electoral administration

7

Administrative Machinery of Electoral Registration

Supervisor

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)

District Election Officer (DEO)

Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)

Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO)

Booth Level Officer (BLO)

Election Commission of India (ECI)

8

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

• BLO's are appointed under section 13B(2) – RP Act,1950 (From 2006), 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 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 2/2Know your AC parts Area

10

AC 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

• Each part has an identified polling station where electors cast their votes on the poll day

Electoral Rolls

Parts

Sections

Locality Area

Households

11

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.

• 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. i

12

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.

13

Sample of Nazari (illustrative)

14

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

2 3

456

7 89

1

15

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?

Session 3/1Know the electoral role of the part under your charge

17

Photo Electoral Roll

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Section 15 RP Act, 1950 – “Every constituency should have an electoral roll” - The Text roll as below earlier, now photo electoral roll

Text Roll Photo Electoral Roll

Electoral Roll

19

Title PageThe Title page has :• Details of the

concerned Assembly constituency

• Clearly demarcated Nazari map of that assembly constituency on the back of the title page

Components AC No. and Name of

the State of Meghalaya

Details of the parts of the AC

20

Header Page Header page has:• details of the

concerned part area

• clearly demarcated Nazari map of that part area on the back of it.

Details of the sections of the part

Part No. of the AC in the state of Meghalaya

21

Section pagesThe pages of the section

has:• name of the section on

the top of the page• details related to the

concerned AC• 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 No.

Electors details

22

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

Deletion List

Summary of Electors

Addition List

23

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 reflected in the supplement roll of that year.

• There is provision for integration of these rolls also

Name of AC

Name of PC

Details of AC

24

Mother Roll Supplement

Sample 1 – Change due to deletion

25

Sample 2 – Change due to correction (Incorrect photo)

Entry in Mother Roll

Entry in Supplement – for change

26

Changes in the total number of the entries

Entry in Mother Roll

Entry in Supplement

Session 3/2Physical verification of the roll

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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

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 Gujarati 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 been repeated 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)

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 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?

Questions to be asked during House to House Verification

Session 4/1Revision

34

Administrative Machinery of Electoral System

Supervisor

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)

District Election Officer (DEO)

Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)

Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO)

Booth Level Officer (BLO)

Election Commission of India (ECI)

Designated Officer (DLO)

Roll observer

35

Types of RevisionsIntensive 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 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

36

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

37

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

38

FormsForm 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

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.

39

Transposition (Form 8A)

Correction (Form 8)

Part & Sl. No. of previous enrollment

EPIC

Ordinary residence

Part & Sl. No. of enrollment

Evidence in favour of correction sought for

40

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.

41

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 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.

42

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 period and in the given format is rejected by ____________

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

Form 9,10,11, 11A.

ERO

43

44

45

Registration of persons holding declared offices

• Any holder of a declared office like Presidents, Speaker of Lok Sabha etc can enroll in the electoral roll in his home address (Form 1)

• ERO 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.

46

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

• 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

47

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

• The electors overseas are not issued EPIC but use their passport for their identification to caste a vote

48

Enrolment of Service VotersPerson 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

49

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 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.

50

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.

51

Enrolment of orphansEligible 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 the family.

Eligible orphan legally adopted by family can be enrolled by entering his adoptive father/mother’s name.

Any orphan not covered under above mentioned categories can be enrolled by entering “ Not Known” by BLO

52

Inclusion (Form 6)

New Voter

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

Married women

•Declaration as to delayed registration (age>25 yrs) (Part 4 of form 6)

•Special care to verify citizenship status

•Ordinary residence

•Age•Parental Linkage in Electoral Roll (for citizenship issue) /citizenship proof•Ordinary residence

• “Age proof” • “Nationality proof” • Proof of Ordinary

Residence before marriage

• Marriage Registration Certificate

• “proof of Ordinary Residence

Students

• “Age proof” like birth certificate, certificate from school

• “Citizenship proof” like copy of EPIC of parents

• “Proof of Ordinary Residence” like ration card, passport etc

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 mark sheet 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)- 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

53

• 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

- 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

54

• 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

marriage55

Important Documents Needed for forms- For Married Women applying for the first time

Very Important Points

56

• 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

57

Finalization of electoral roll after disposal of claims and objections subsequent to draft

publication1. 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• Publication of draft roll

58

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

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

60

Case Study

Case

Stu

dy

61

Case 1In 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?

62

Case 2A 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.

63

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?

64

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?

65

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?

66

Case 6The 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 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

67

Electors Photo Identity cards (EPIC)

Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

68

Front Side of EPIC

Elector’s Name

Elector’s Father/ Mother/ Husband’s

Name

FUSN

Elector’s Gender

Date of Birth

Security Hologram

Elector’s Photo

5 cm 8.4 cm

69

Back of EPIC

Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

Elector’s Address

EPIC Issuing DateEROs Signature

Name & Number of AC

70

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 8Getting from Form 6House 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

Some Key pointsOnly 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/AEROVerify/ compare the copy with the

manuscripts/photographsSign every verified pageVerify the EPIC number on roll with that on the card Oversee preparation of Mother roll and Supplements from

the corrected database for his/her PartAttach verification certificate at end of the electoral roll

71

Case Study

72

Case

Stu

dy

73

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.

74

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 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.

Case 2

75

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?

Case 3

76

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 are LJM/4853394 & LJM/485353584 respectively and against Satish EPIC No. HCX/0058398. Sudhaben has not been enrolled yet. At the time of verification Rameshbhai and Kamlaben produce EPIC no. GJ/07/125/583120 & EPIC No. GJ/07/123/583121 respectively , while Satish produces EPIC no. HCX/0058398. Their EPICs are original and entries are correct in all respects. Upon inquiry Rameshbhai reveals the EPIC available with him and his wife is the one issued in 2000. 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?

Case 4

77

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 6A BLO wants to resign from his services as a BLO. Should an ERO

accept his resignation? What should the ERO do?

Case 5

SESSION 5/2

78

Helping HandsGram Sabha

Designated OfficersBooth Level Agent (BLA)

Booth Level Volunteers (BLV)Resident’s Welfare AssociationsCivil Society Organisations etc.

79

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

• 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

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

80

Reporting the meetingBLOs submit a report on completion of the meeting in the given formatReport by BLO of Reading of Electoral Roll of Part in Gram Sabha/Ward Meeting

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 OfficerDesignation 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 gram sabha

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 11a

11b 11c 11d 11e

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

- Assists people in filing claim/objection properly

- Remains present during the campaigns and helps 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

Election Commission Political Party Booth Level AgentsAppointsInforms

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

83

National Voters Day

84

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

National Voters Day

85

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

86

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 .

87

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.”

Session 5/4

88

BLO Register and Checklist

89

Cover Page of BLO Register

90

91

92

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

BLO Register

93

Annexure 1

94

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

BLO Register

95

Annexure 21. Newly developed areas/societies/apartments

96

Annexure 22. Newly arrived eligible electors

97

Annexure 23. Population and gender ratio of that part

Total number of households in this Part

98

Certified copy of any part of electoral rollRolls are published/printed only at the time of revision

Draft Rolls Final Roll

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

Certified copy of Roll can be taken after final publication from 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

BLOsAll 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

Final Roll

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

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

1 2 3 4

567

8

9 10 10 11

12141516

Steps for Final publicationPUBLISH Final Roll

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 – Additions2. Component II – Deletions3. Component III – Corrections

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

Addition

Deletion

Correctio

n

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 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 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

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

In the election year:

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 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

In the non-election year:

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 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 6.3

Annexure 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 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

119Thank You