Pioneer News Service
DALTONGANJ
A time-worn Second World War medal and a 1953 Army unit record have become important documents for a family originally from Amritsar, now seeking progeny mapping during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Palamu.
The Ghai family, which has been settled in Palamu for nearly five decades, recently reached the SIR camp at Palamu Club with the War Medal awarded to Munni Lall Ghai, who served as a havildar clerk in the Indian Army during the Second World War.
Ashwini Ghai, 67, said his brother Narender Kumar Ghai produced the medal along with the unit record dated May 10, 1953, to establish their family’s Indian roots after receiving an SIR notice.
“The response was a mix of wonder, admiration and respect,” Ashwini said, adding that the camp team appeared impressed by the legacy of their father. However, photocopies of the medal and Amritsar unit record were not accepted. His brother subsequently submitted a copy of his passport.
Assistant Electoral Registration Officer Amardeep Walhotra said progeny mapping is particularly challenging for labour-class electors who often lack documentary records. Officials, he said, seek pension records or other supporting documents where available.
Sources said the Palamu Club camp has been witnessing relatively smooth disposal of cases compared with some other centres. Women are also appearing on behalf of family members who are away for work.
Across Palamu’s five Assembly constituencies, 72,760 electors remain in the “no mapping” category. Daltonganj has the highest number at 21,090, followed by Chhatarpur with 18,086. Panki, Bishrampur and Hussainabad have 9,519, 11,073 and 12,992 unmapped electors respectively.
