In a first since abrogation of Art 370, people residing in Jammu for over a year can register as voters
The order pointed out that the special summary revision is meant for the registration of new voters, deletion, correction, and transposition of voters who have migrated or died since the last summary revision was held in J&K.
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Jammu, Oct 12: The Jammu administration on Tuesday issued an order to issue a certificate of residence to people residing in Jammu "for more than one year". The certificate of residence is an effort to “ensure that no eligible voter” living in Jammu district is left behind for the ongoing special summary revision of electoral rolls.
The order pointed out that the special summary revision is meant for the registration of new voters, deletion, correction, and transposition of voters who have migrated or died since the last summary revision was held in J&K.
Deputy Commissioner/District Election Officer, Jammu, Avny Lavasa issued the order on Tuesday while referring to difficulties faced by some people in getting registered as voters since they do not possess documents prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for registration as voters.
It also stated that various documents prescribed by ECI that can be accepted as proof of residence include water, electricity or gas connection for at least one year; Aadhaar card; current passbook of any nationalised/scheduled bank or post office; Indian passport; Revenue Department’s land-owning record, including kisan bahi; registered rent/lease deed in case of tenants; and registered sale deed if the person concerned owns the house.
Further, it added that if in case none of the mentioned documents is available field verification is must. Citing the example of homeless Indian citizens who are otherwise eligible to become electors but do not possess documentary proof of residence, the guidelines stated that the electoral registration officer “shall designate an officer for field verification” in such cases.
This was the first time that the UT administration has come up with an order explaining which residents are eligible for registration as voters after a controversy was erupted when former chief electoral officer Hirdesh Kumar had stoked a controversy by saying that nearly 20 lakh to 25 lakh new voters were likely to be registered during the special summary revision.