Nagpur: A high-level delegation of the Federation of Maharashtra Muslims (FMM) last week met with the state’s chief electoral officer and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the challenges being faced by citizens during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The memorandum also proposed several measures to make the electoral process more transparent, fair, and citizen-friendly.The memorandum pointed out that the current duration of the enumeration phase is inadequate. In view of heavy rains, agricultural sowing season, displacement caused by redevelopment and demolition drives, and other practical difficulties, the delegation demanded the enumeration period be extended by at least two months, particularly since no immediate elections are scheduled in Maharashtra.The delegation informed the chief electoral officer that since the commencement of the SIR process, the Federation has established awareness campaigns and facilitation centres across Maharashtra. Through these centres, volunteers have been assisting citizens with enumeration process and promoting cooperation with Booth Level Officers (BLOs).The federation also expressed concern that several citizens who had successfully voted in the 2024 elections are currently unable to locate their names or EPIC records during the ongoing enumeration process. The delegation urged that such voters should not be compelled to apply as fresh applicants without justification. It further requested that if the name of any eligible voter has been omitted due to an error from the draft electoral roll, it should be restored through a simple and expeditious correction mechanism after doing appropriate verification.
