IT Tools Proposed for Verifying Overseas Voters: Rathan Kelkar

### Fast Summary:
– The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Kerala is exploring IT tools like video calls and emails to include eligible overseas voters in the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
– Concerns arose regarding overseas electors’ ability to verify their data if Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) find locked residences in Kerala.
– Efforts will involve reaching out to non-resident Keralites, including students, through NoRKA roots and Loka Kerala Sabha.
– Online meetings were held with non-resident Keralite groups prior to a state-level consultation session with political parties.- Recognised political parties were urged by the CEO to appoint more booth-level agents (BLAs). currently, 58,517 BLAs are appointed across districts. Thiruvananthapuram district has the highest number at 7,342 while Kasaragod and Wayanad have the lowest numbers at 1,723 and 1,245 respectively.- SIR was described by CEO Rathan U.Kelkar as an “audit of the electoral rolls,” ensuring no eligible voter will be left out.

### Indian Opinion Analysis:
Efforts undertaken by Kerala’s election office reflect a critical approach towards inclusivity for overseas voters during elections-a demographic that often remains underrepresented in electoral rolls due to logistical challenges tied to physical verification processes. Exploring IT-enabled solutions such as video calls or email for verification presents a forward-thinking initiative that could modernize how electoral systems interact with global citizens while preserving transparency of voter inclusion procedures.

The participation of district-level agents highlights meaningful groundwork aimed at reducing errors and expediting resolution mechanisms concerning roll revisions on-ground-a vital aspect given Kerala’s large diaspora population dependent on remote connectivity for election-related matters.

While commendable strides have been noted in planning processes such as engagement through NoRKA Roots and judicially ensuring broad coordination amongst BLO efforts localized messaging channels still need addressing scalable mechanisms applied statewide operational success simplifies citizens bureaucracy balancing automated manual checks is vital minimal gaps smooth interfaces ensures accuracy conclusiveness prepares future benchmarks permanence stability.