The Hindu : National : August 31 deadline for photo rolls publication

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August 31 deadline for photo rolls publication

Legal Correspondent

New Delhi: The Election Commission has set an August 31 deadline for final publication of photo electoral rolls (PERs) for all States and Union Territories.

The time frame, giving the calendar for various stages of implementation of the PERs ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, was fixed after a review meeting with the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of States here on Thursday.

The Commission apprised the CEOs of an analytical framework for testing the veracity of the electoral rolls on broad parameters such as elector-population ratio and gender ratio, and prescribed a format for the analysis.

They were directed to complete the analysis and submit reports by February 29.

The Commission would put in place a verification mechanism, appointing observers in each State/Union Territory to ensure integrity of the rolls.

The final publication of the electoral rolls with January 1, 2008 as the qualifying date had been done in 20 States. The others including Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, where Assembly elections were held recently, were finalising revision formalities.

It was expected that the revision process would be complete in the entire country by March 15.

Rationalisation of stations

During deliberations, the Commission emphasised rationalisation of polling stations from the point of voter convenience. It laid down fresh guidelines for creation of new stations and decongestion of the existing ones.

CEOs briefed

The CEOs were briefed on the procedure to be followed and the precautions to be taken for accurate mapping and conversion of the existing constituencies.

Every State/Union Territory was directed to undertake one case study and incorporate the lessons from that exercise before universalising the process of delimitation.

February 29 would be the last date for completion of the pilot process for all States and Union Territories.

Software for rolls

The Commission also reviewed the progress made on a pilot project undertaken by Karnataka for comprehensive computerised management of the electoral rolls. The software developed for the purpose would be adopted for the entire country in due course after incorporating changes warranted during the pilot project.

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