SIR exercise sparks controversy as Quraishi seeks reversal of poll roll decisions

Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi shares his views on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, questioning its necessity, legality and implementation. He argues that India’s electoral rolls have been effectively maintained for decades and raises concerns about the impact and outcomes of the exercise.

Source

The Hindu — National →

Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

01The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is a revision of electoral rolls undertaken by the Election Commission of India.
02The SIR exercise is led by the Chief Election Commissioner, with decisions requiring a majority vote if unanimous consent is not possible.
03Under Section 18 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, the commission's decisions, as far as possible, have to be unanimous.
04Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has questioned the necessity, legality, and implementation of the SIR exercise.
05The SIR exercise has been criticized for potentially favoring the BJP, with concerns raised about the impact on electoral rolls.
06At least 14 objections were raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi over decisions associated with the SIR exercise.

Trap alerts

Most people think the Election Commission of India is a constitutional body, but actually it is a statutory body.
Most people think the Chief Election Commissioner has absolute authority, but actually decisions require a majority vote if unanimous consent is not possible.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

What is the name of the electoral revision exercise being carried out?

A.Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise
B.Electoral Roll Revision (ERR) exercise
C.Voter Registration Update (VRU) exercise
D.Electoral Reforms Initiative (ERI) exercise

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is a scheme being implemented to revise electoral rolls. This exercise has raised concerns about its impact and outcomes.

Multiple statementsmedium

Consider the following statements regarding SIR Exercise: 1. The SIR exercise has been implemented for over 10 years. 2. S.Y. Quraishi was the Chief Election Commissioner during the SIR exercise. 3. The SIR exercise has been effective in maintaining India's electoral rolls. How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None

Statement 1 is false because the fact list does not mention the duration of the SIR exercise. Statement 2 is true because S.Y. Quraishi was the Chief Election Commissioner, as per fact 3. Statement 3 is false because the fact list does not mention the effectiveness of the SIR exercise.

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