Pioneer News Service
Daltonganj
As many as 750 eligible electors in three villages of Latehar district have refused to sign enumeration forms under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said on Saturday.
The refusals have been reported from one polling booth each in Kaima, Ronhe and Dadeya villages, falling under Latehar, Bariyatu and Chandwa blocks respectively.
According to Deputy Election Officer Mary Markey, Kaima has 1,252 electors, of whom 574 have declined to sign the forms. In Ronhe, 114 of the 712 electors have refused, while 62 of 851 electors in Dadeya have not signed the forms.
Officials said repeated efforts were made to persuade the electors to participate in the revision process. Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Electoral Registration Officers reportedly visited the villages several times. Public announcements and notices were also issued to create awareness about the exercise.
Officials attributed the refusals to several factors, including concerns among some residents regarding the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, which they believe safeguards tribal areas from outside administrative interference. They also cited the perceived influence of local Gram Sabhas and a lack of awareness about the importance of the SIR exercise.
A tribal resident, Ajay Oraon, said the Fifth Schedule remains a matter of fundamental importance for the community.
Administrative sources said sustained awareness campaigns and repeated visits by field teams had been undertaken, but some residents remained reluctant to cooperate. Officials said there were instances where residents initially agreed to sign the forms but later changed their decision.
The development comes as the electoral authorities continue efforts to ensure maximum participation in the SIR process and prepare an updated electoral roll.
