Gram sabhas to allow villagers raise objections to ineligible names in list

PANJIM, JULY 2
As part of its ongoing revision of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled special campaign on July 3 and 4 in the State. Gram sabhas will be held in 188 village panchayats on July 4 to allow villagers to raise objections to inclusion of names of the people who are not eligible to figure in the list, told Arvind Bugde, Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, on Friday.
The exercise assumes importance as it would allow people to ensure that names of ineligible persons (those who are not residents of the village) are removed from electoral roll. On July 3, booth officers will remain present at the booth offices whereas on Sunday they will be seating in gram panchayats to take note of the objections raised in the gram sabha as well as to allow fresh enrolment, said Bugde.
There have been instances in the past of people maintaining their names on electoral rolls at different two places. It is unlawful to retain a name at two different electoral booths and if found guilty such persons could be prosecuted under the Representation of Peoples Act. This happened in the past due to lack of awareness among people but they are now being sensitised, he said.
Meanwhile, the ECI has extended time by fifteen days to complete the ongoing revision of electoral rolls. Persons who missed earlier opportunities to register as a voter can now approach electoral booth in their respective areas for enrolment. For fresh enrolment applicant has to fill Form VI.
The exercise will be on till July 15 whereas by July 30 all claims and objections will be disposed off. Preparation and printing of supplements will be done by August 16 and final electoral rolls will be out on August 19.