Guwahati, Feb 11: Eligible voters in Assam whose names were removed from the electoral rolls during the recent Special Revision (SR) on the ground of having “permanently shifted” can seek fresh inclusion under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, officials said on February 10.
Election authorities stated that several individuals who relocated from their previous places of residence due to eviction drives or other administrative reasons may have found their names deleted from their former polling stations or constituencies. If such electors were unable to apply for transfer before the deletion took effect, they are now permitted to apply for enrolment at their current address.
Officials clarified that these applicants may submit Form 6 after the publication of the final electoral roll at the conclusion of the Special Revision exercise. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Assam has issued detailed instructions to all District Election Officers (DEOs), outlining the procedure to process such cases.
In a communication to district authorities, the CEO noted that certain electors were removed from the rolls as “permanently shifted” but could not file applications for transfer because only one form can be processed during a single revision cycle. The letter cited Section 24 of the RP Act, 1950, which provides for an appeal before the DEO against deletion within a prescribed timeframe and allows submission of Form 6 for inclusion during summary revision or continuous updation.
Although Form 6 is generally used for new voter registration, officials explained that it may also be utilised by individuals whose names were deleted from their earlier constituencies and who were unable to submit Form 8 for shifting or correction because a Form 7 — relating to objection or deletion — was already under process during the revision.
The CEO has directed DEOs to conduct thorough scrutiny of such applications to prevent duplication and ensure that only eligible electors are re-enrolled. Applicants must submit a copy of their previous Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) along with the required supporting documents prescribed under Form 6.
As per the procedure, the district where the applicant currently resides, referred to as the “Receiving District,” will forward the application to the “Verifying District” where the elector was previously registered for cross-verification. Applicants will also be required to appear in person before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for a hearing and present all necessary documents.
Following verification and examination of inputs from the earlier district, the Receiving District will take a decision on the Form 6 application in accordance with legal provisions.
The final electoral roll for Assam was published on Tuesday, with more than 2.43 lakh names removed from the draft list. The updated roll now includes nearly 1.25 crore male voters, 1.24 crore female voters and 343 third-gender electors.
