Hyderabad: As the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls gains momentum across Telangana, language has emerged as an unexpected hurdle, with voters struggling to fill enumeration forms distributed by booth level officers (BLOs).A TOI ground report found that forms are not being distributed uniformly. While some localities received English forms, others were given Telugu versions, creating difficulties for voters unfamiliar with the language provided.In several parts of Secunderabad, residents said they were forced to depend on neighbours, relatives or volunteers to fill the forms. Many expressed concern that they were relying on others to enter personal details without being aware of what was being written on their behalf.The issue has been particularly difficult for elderly citizens, migrants and those fluent in only one language. Several voters said this dependence raised the risk of errors in the revision exercise.“A bilingual form would make things easier. People should be able to read and understand what they are filling. When forms are in only one language, many depend on others and may not know what is being entered,” said Dr AK Srivatsav, a resident of Ramanthapur from Uttar Pradesh.Satish Kumar, originally from Nanded in Maharashtra, said urban Telangana has a large migrant population, including workers, students and professionals unfamiliar with Telugu, while many elderly residents struggle with English forms.“If a voter gets a form in a language they are not comfortable with, they can inform the BLO and get a form in their preferred language within a day or two. So far, we have not received complaints. Around 4,300 forms were distributed on day one in Secunderabad, where over 2.6 lakh forms will be covered,” said MNR Jyothi, electoral registration officer (ERO), Secunderabad.Residents suggested bilingual forms to improve clarity, transparency and inclusivity in the revision process.
