Expert's eye view: SIR

INTRO: AS SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ROLLS ROLL OUT IN WEST BENGAL, ABID HUSSAIN, FORMER WBCS (EXE) AND EX-SPECIAL SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL, DECODES THE PROCESS FOR THE STATESMAN'S READERS. DOLA MITRA INTERVIEWS THE EXPERT ELECTION OFFICER.

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With your nearly four decades of experience as an officer of the Election Commission in the state, please tell us why do you think that this SIR is being conducted in such a short duration of time? Should not this kind of a complex process mandate a lengthier approach?

Well, this kind of a mammoth exercise involving approximately 7.5 crore voters, requires preparedness, no doubt. However, as far as West Bengal is concerned, it is not caught off guard and is apparently ready for the process.

Also contrary to apprehensions, the intensive nature of the SIR has certain advantages over a lengthier exercise. Considering that several states, including West Bengal, will go to the polls in only a few months, it is important to ensure an authentic electoral roll. While the intensive nature of the SIR exercise could appear difficult for a large number of people, including the officials engaged in the enumeration process (like the BLOs {block level officers} who are tasked with distribution and collection of forms) but its advantage is the quick response that it is eliciting. The exercise is aimed at eliminating names such as those who are deceased and adding names such as young voters are attaining the eligible age of franchise.

In Bihar, I feel the process was too hurried. The state was intimated only on June 24 and everyone from the political parties to the voters were unprepared for the sudden nature of it. It being the first state where this SIR was conducted, it found itself in quandary. However, part of the reason that states like West Bengal and other states are more prepared is because of the Bihar example. Everyone is more or less ready.