Process of summary revision of electoral roll has begun in Odisha ahead of the crucial Panchayat polls

Bhubaneswar;17/11/21; The process of summary revision of electoral roll has begun in Odisha ahead of the crucial Panchayat polls, scheduled to be held in February 2022.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, Sushil Kumar Lohani, on Wednesday appealed citizens to make extensive use of the ongoing revision process to make necessary additions and deletion of names as the Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) does not guarantee the right to vote.

“The Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) does not guarantee the right to vote. One needs to have his/her name in the electoral or voters roll. People need to verify their names and apply for necessary addition or deletion in the special campaign scheduled to be held on November 21, 2021,” said Lohani.

People can check their names at the booth level with the help of block-level officers. They can also download the booth-wise roll from the website www.ceoodisha.nic.in and check their names. It is pertinent to mention here that the special summary revision of the electoral roll had begun in Odisha on November 1, 2021, and the process will continue till November 30, 2021.

“As the process is continuing, we appeal citizens to make extensive use of the campaign on November 21. The schedule has been finalised in accordance with the Election Commission of India (ECI) decision for the special summary revision of photo electoral rolls with reference to January 1, 2022, as the qualifying date,” said Lohani.

During the special drive, people can apply for addition and deletion of names, correction and other facilities. This time, people can avail such services including getting Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) online and it will be delivered directly at the doorsteps of applicants via post.

Application Process Online:

Through the Voter Helpline App, people can submit online applications by filing up forms as per their requirements. The App can be downloaded on mobile phones. One just needs to submit various documents for address, date of birth, and latest picture to validate the applications. The application processes will be verified by field-level officers for necessary addition, deletion, and even issuance of EPIC.

Eligibility and Facilities Available:

—Those attaining 18 years as of January 1, 2022, can apply for inclusion of their names in voter/electoral roll as first-time voters. -Eligible voters whose name is yet to be registered in the electoral roll can apply.

-People can also apply for any change /correction in name, address in the electoral roll.

-Deletion of names in case of deaths, shifting/migration, and other reasons. Earlier to avail such services, people used to approach their concerned block level officers to collect forms or apply through the Sub-Collector office.