Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 16 : The State level function on Draft Publication of SSR 2021 was held at DC EKH office in the presence of CEO, Addl CEO, DC , EKH ,EROs, AEROs BLOs and Political Parties .
Addressing the gathering of ERO’s, AERO’s, BLO’s, Supervisors and representatives of Political Parties, F. R. Kharkongor , Chief Electoral Officer, informed that in Meghalaya against the population of 20, 21,000 eligible voters, 19,60,850 have been enrolled. However there is still a gap of 60,962 out of which 49,445 is in East Khasi Hills District alone. Through the SSR exercise, the aim is to reduce this gap by increasing the enrolment of new voters.
It was informed by CEO that presently draft electorate as on 16/11/20 stood at 19,60,850 , with 9.69 Lakhs Male and 9.91 lakhs female including 1 transgender .
Against projected eligible population , EP ratio is 96.98%. Existing gap to be enrolled is 3.2%.
It was also informed that online registration was being encouraged in collaboration with CSCs especially to cover rural areas The Claims and objections will be heard till Dec 15.
All field officials were reminded that the new thrust is on free, fair and safe elections
He further added that the Election Commission of India is encouraging citizens to register online with the tagline “Why stand in line when you can go online.” However taking into consideration the challenges of internet connectivity, particularly in rural areas, he said that 600 Community Service Centres spread across have been roped in to come to the aid of rural masses, so as to bridge the connectivity gap. Online registration can be done by visiting www.nvsp.in and the Voter Help Line mobile app.
Smt. I Laloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District said that SSR is a mandatory exercise to ensure a healthy electoral roll, which is the bulwark of a healthy democracy.
Stating that the SSR is aimed at enrolling citizens who have attained the age of 18 and also receiving and disposing of claims and objections in a timely manner covering all excluded sections of the population, she informed that training for ERO’s, AERO’s, BLO’s and Supervisors as well as SVEEP activities have been imparted incorporating new COVID-19 protocols laid down by the Election Commission of India.
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The programme was organised by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya in collaboration with the office of the District Election Officer, East Khasi Hills District.
As part of the programme, BLO kits; Guidebook entitled – Broad Guidelines for Conduct of General Elections/Bye Elections during COVID -19 and Voters – Towards a COVID Safe Elections and CD’s on Integrated Draft Photo Electoral Rolls were also distributed.
A detailed presentation on the highlights, schedules, timeline for this year’s Special Summary Revision was also made by the office of the Chief Electoral Office, Meghalaya.
As per the schedule, the date for the publication of the integrated draft electoral roll is Nov 16, the period for filing of claims and objections is between Nov 16-Dec 16, this year and the final electoral roll would be published on Jan 21, next year .
