Ranchi, September 9: Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar has directed Common Service Centre (CSC) operators to maintain strict accuracy and transparency while assisting with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
During an online review meeting with CSC operators and deputy election officers from districts across the state, Kumar warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found manipulating electoral data, making unauthorised changes or preparing forged documents.
The meeting followed the detection of alleged irregularities at a CSC in Sahibganj district.
An FIR was registered on September 5 against a CSC operator in Barharwa block for allegedly issuing fake certificates that were used in an attempt to facilitate the inclusion of ineligible names in the electoral roll.
Four other people were also booked in connection with the alleged submission of forged documents.Kumar instructed officials to ensure that similar incidents do not occur elsewhere during the voter-list revision exercise.
He also clarified that citizens do not need to obtain fresh caste or residential certificates specifically for SIR verification.Officials can rely on valid records such as family lists or genealogical records, Khatiyan copies and other documents issued by competent authorities while conducting verification, he said.
The CEO further directed officials to remain vigilant against manipulation of age details, unauthorised alterations and tampering with election-related records.Kumar said that if the creation or facilitation of forged documents is detected, the role of the concerned CSC will also be examined and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible under applicable laws.
The SIR exercise has resulted in a major revision of Jharkhand’s electoral rolls. The draft voter list published on August 5 contained around 2.21 crore electors, compared with approximately 2.64 crore voters before the enumeration exercise.
The draft list comprises about 1.12 crore male voters, 1.08 crore female voters and 260 third-gender voters.
The enumeration process was conducted from June 30 to July 29. The Election Commission has extended the period for filing claims and objections until September 15, while publication of the final revised electoral roll has been scheduled for October 19.
Officials said the verification process is intended to improve the accuracy of the electoral rolls and ensure that genuine and eligible voters are correctly represented.
