Chief Electoral Officer  Vikas Raj Reviews Electoral Roll Revision Progress in Video Conference with District Election Officers

Emphasizes Special Focus on Pending Applications, Gender Issues, and Inclusive Enrollment

Hyderabad: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sri Vikas Raj conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing electoral roll revision process in a video conference with District Election Officers (DEOs) today. The meeting addressed several critical aspects of the revision process and aimed to ensure a smooth and inclusive electoral roll update.

During the video conference, CEO Vikas Raj urged the DEOs to prioritize the pending applications for Form 6, 7, and 8. He stressed the importance of promptly disposing of these applications to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

One of the key directives from CEO Vikas Raj was to analyze polling stations with the highest number of gender-related issues. He emphasized the need to focus on addressing these concerns and ensuring that all citizens, including the third gender cohort, have equal access to the electoral rolls.

Furthermore, CEO Vikas Raj instructed the DEOs to expedite the generation and printing of Electors' Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to facilitate the voting process. He also called for the identification of Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies and Pockets to ensure fair and transparent elections.

To enhance intelligence gathering, CEO Vikas Raj encouraged frequent meetings of the District Intelligence Committee. He also requested special attention to the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities in urban areas, emphasizing the enrollment of all eligible citizens in the electoral rolls.

CEO Vikas Raj highlighted the importance of providing support to Persons with Disabilities (PWD) pensioners during the electoral process. He urged DEOs to establish contact with them and ensure their inclusion in the electoral roll, enabling them to request assistance during polling.

In addition to these directives, the CEO issued instructions for the revision and update of the District Election Management Plan (DEMP). This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the electoral roll revision process.

CEO Vikas Raj also urged DEOs to identify Unique Polling Stations, such as the oldest stations or those with the highest number of voters or specific features, to ensure a diverse and representative electoral infrastructure.

The Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) briefed all DEOs about various SVEEP activities being undertaken in GHMC. CEO Vikas Raj encouraged DEOs from large urban areas to replicate these initiatives in their respective districts and explore innovative strategies to engage the electorate.

The video conference was attended by Additional Chief Electoral Officer Lokesh Kumar, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Sarfraz Ahmad, and all District Election Officers, reflecting the commitment of the electoral authorities to conduct free and fair elections and ensure the active participation of every eligible citizen in the democratic process.