JMM seeks EC clarification on ECINet use

Demands extra enumeration forms for SIR exercise

PNS

Ranchi

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) General Secretary Vinod Pandey has written to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand seeking clarification on the use of the ECINet mobile application and the availability of additional enumeration forms during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.

In his letter, Pandey urged the CEO to issue clear guidelines regarding the process of filling enumeration forms, the use of the ECINet app, and the provision of extra forms to facilitate error-free submissions by voters.

He said the party had received reports from various districts indicating that voters and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were facing practical difficulties during the SIR exercise. According to him, there was considerable confusion over whether BLOs were required or authorised to photograph voters through the ECINet mobile application during the house-to-house enumeration process.

Pandey requested the Election Commission to clarify whether capturing voters’ photographs through the ECINet app during the enumeration stage is mandatory or even permitted. If such a provision exists, he said, the relevant instructions should be made public and uniform directions should be issued to all District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and BLOs. If not, the Commission should issue a formal circular clarifying the position to eliminate confusion in the field.

The JMM leader also highlighted concerns over errors that voters may inadvertently make while filling the enumeration forms, particularly in rural and low-literacy areas.

To address the issue, he urged the Election Commission to provide every voter with an additional copy of the enumeration form along with the original, allowing them to submit a fresh form in case of mistakes. He said such a measure would make the revision process more transparent, voter-friendly and easier for election officials to administer.

Pandey maintained that clear instructions and procedural uniformity would help ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the Special Intensive Revision exercise across Jharkhand.