Top Maha Poll Official Seeks More Powers for EROs in SIR
The commission partly accepted one request and said further portal flexibility will be made operational if field officers need it.
- Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer Chockalingam wrote to the Election Commission in New Delhi last week, seeking four changes to the ECINet software to restore statutory discretion to Electoral Registration Officers during the Special Intensive Revision.
- The request mirrors concerns raised by Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, who flagged that centralized control of ECINet at the Director General level restricted the statutory powers of EROs to perform their duties.
- Chockalingam requested an "Exempted from Hearing" option for electors submitting valid documents to resolve cases of "logical discrepancy" without forcing personal appearances, preventing unnecessary inconvenience for vulnerable groups.
- On September 26, the Election Commission partially addressed the Maharashtra request by authorizing EROs to exempt individuals flagged for "logical discrepancy" from personal hearings.
- The Commission pledged that "in case any further flexibility is required by the field officers, that will be made operational," while implementing broader internal reforms requiring the circulation of meeting agendas and minutes.
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On September 24, Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S. Chokalingam wrote to ECI officials about issues with the ECINet software. He requested five changes to the software to ensure that the ERO does not face difficulties in exercising its powers granted to it under the law.
Maharashtra poll chief had written letter echoing SIR concerns flagged by ECs
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has asked the Election Commission to modify ECINet software during the SIR exercise. The proposed changes would let local registration officers use existing legal powers with more flexibility.
Maharashtra CEO seeks more powers for local staff in SIR, echoing two ECs’ concerns
In some cases, involving a 'logical discrepancy', an ERO cannot resolve the matter on the basis of a Booth Level Officer’s statement alone, and supporting documents have to be sent to the District Election Officer for verification
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