Read more: The Hindu
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar has introduced a significant shift in India’s process for maintaining electoral rolls-one that could reshape democratic participation nationwide. By placing the burden of proving citizenship squarely on individuals through strict documentation requirements, it raises complex questions about equity and practicality within universal adult franchise principles.
This policy risks disenfranchising significant sections of vulnerable populations who lack access to rare documents or are subject to seasonal migration patterns-as seen with migrant workers who may lose their voting rights solely due to geographic movement tied to livelihood struggles.
Moreover, implementing such essential changes with minimal notice introduces logistical challenges at scale during conditions that exacerbate difficulties-e.g., monsoon floods and socio-economic pressures in rural areas.
While openness and accuracy in voter identification remain critical goals for any democracy, methods achieving these objectives should prioritize inclusivity over exclusionary practices perhaps affecting millions negatively. If replicated nationally without addressing underlying concerns (e.g., document accessibility), India’s long-standing tradition of universal suffrage could face unprecedented disruption.
Ensuring fair scrutiny while safeguarding against mass disenfranchisement requires proactive revisions balancing administrative efficiency with social justice principles integral to democratic ideals.