Thiruvananthapuram,10Jan(H.S): The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala has been simplified to provide relief to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and voters who are unable to attend verification hearings in person. Under the revised guidelines, eligible voters may submit required documents through close relatives, eliminating the need for personal appearance during hearings in genuine cases.

Election officials said the relaxation will benefit NRIs, students studying in other states, bedridden patients, pregnant women, and others facing physical or logistical difficulties in attending hearings. Close family members may appear before officials with the necessary documents on behalf of such voters.

Voters who cannot attend the hearing are required to inform either the booth-level agent of their political party or the Booth Level Officer (BLO) concerned. This prior communication will ensure that the absence is recorded and that verification proceeds smoothly. The Election Commission has also directed that voters who miss a scheduled hearing due to unavoidable reasons must be given another opportunity, preventing wrongful deletion of names from the electoral roll.

As part of the verification process, applicants must submit original documents along with one self-attested photocopy. Any one of the 12 prescribed documents can be produced, including Aadhaar card, passport, birth certificate, or SSLC certificate. If copies of the documents have already been submitted earlier to the BLO, producing the original documents alone will be sufficient at the time of verification.

Officials clarified that Aadhaar card holders must submit an additional supporting document, as Aadhaar alone will not be accepted as complete proof. Voters have also been urged to check the draft electoral roll prepared under the SIR process and immediately notify BLOs in case of errors in names or personal details.

The Election Commission said the revised procedure is intended to balance administrative scrutiny with voter convenience. By introducing flexible norms, authorities aim to safeguard the voting rights of overseas and vulnerable voters while ensuring accuracy and transparency in the preparation of the final electoral roll across Kerala.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman