Special Intensive Revision: District Collectors in Kerala directed to avoid overlap of SIR and local body election works

Special Intensive Revision: District Collectors in Kerala directed to avoid overlap of SIR and local body election works

## Kerala Election Officials Prioritize Local Body Polls, Suspend Special Summary Revision Duties

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** In a move aimed at streamlining preparations for the upcoming local body elections, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala, Rathan Kelkar, has issued directives to all District Collectors across the state, mandating a temporary separation of election-related responsibilities. The order specifically addresses the potential overlap between duties associated with the local body elections and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

The directive prioritizes the efficient and impartial conduct of the local body elections, a crucial exercise in grassroots democracy. Recognizing the potential for strain on personnel, the CEO has instructed that individuals actively engaged in election-related tasks for the local bodies will not be simultaneously assigned duties as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during the SIR period. This measure is designed to ensure that both processes receive the focused attention and resources necessary for their successful completion.

The SIR is a critical undertaking, designed to update and refine the electoral roll, ensuring its accuracy and comprehensiveness. This includes adding newly eligible voters, correcting existing entries, and removing deceased or relocated individuals. The BLOs play a pivotal role in this process, acting as the primary point of contact for voters at the grassroots level. They are responsible for verifying information, collecting data, and facilitating the registration process.

The CEO’s directive acknowledges the potential for conflict when the same personnel are tasked with both local body election duties and BLO responsibilities. The intense workload associated with preparing for and conducting elections, including tasks such as voter education, polling station management, and result tabulation, can significantly detract from the BLO’s ability to effectively carry out their duties during the SIR.

To mitigate this potential conflict, the directive stipulates that in instances where personnel involved in local body election work are also designated as BLOs, they must be temporarily replaced by other qualified officials. This substitution will ensure that the SIR process continues uninterrupted and that voters have access to dedicated personnel to assist them with registration and verification.

The District Collectors, as the chief election officers at the district level, are responsible for identifying and assigning suitable replacements for BLOs who are also involved in local body election duties. This process will require careful planning and coordination to ensure that all BLO positions are adequately staffed and that the SIR process is not hampered by the temporary reassignment of personnel.

The CEO’s office has emphasized the importance of adhering to these directives to ensure the integrity and efficiency of both the local body elections and the SIR. The smooth conduct of local body elections is paramount to maintaining democratic principles and ensuring that citizens have a voice in local governance. Similarly, an accurate and up-to-date electoral roll is essential for fair and transparent elections at all levels.

By strategically separating these responsibilities, the Election Commission aims to optimize resource allocation, minimize potential conflicts of interest, and ultimately, strengthen the democratic process in Kerala. The move reflects a proactive approach to election management, prioritizing meticulous planning and efficient execution to ensure the successful conduct of both the local body elections and the crucial task of updating the electoral roll. The coming weeks will be a testament to the effectiveness of this strategic decision, as Kerala prepares for a vital exercise in local governance.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.