SIR could end up disenfranchising poor people, says Amartya Sen

Amartya Sen

Expressing concern over the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen, warned that the exercise, if not handled sensitively, could end up "disenfranchising" a large number of poor and marginalised people.

Questioning the fairness of the bureaucratic process, Sen demanded strict documentation from citizens who may not have access to those things. Adding that administrative processes and periodic revisions are necessary, but these must not come at the cost of fundamental rights.

"Yes, it's true that from time to time various procedural tasks need to be carried out. However, in doing so, one cannot create a 'better system' by trampling on the rights of the poor," Sen was quoted by PTI during his interaction with the press.

Sen also emphasised the importance of a just and inclusive approach, pointing out that many individuals still lack proper documentation and, as a result, are often excluded from the electoral process.

"Many people don't have documents. Many cannot vote...If, in the name of trying to improve things a little, harm is caused to many, then that becomes a serious mistake," Sen said, adding, "You cannot justify seven new mistakes just to correct one".

The special intensive revision of electoral rolls by the Election Commission is aimed at updating and verifying the accuracy of electoral rolls, thereby creating clean and error-free lists.

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to allow voters excluded from the draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar to submit claims online, in addition to physical submissions, as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Expressing surprise at the inaction of political parties in helping citizens file objections related to over 65 lakh excluded voters, the court directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar to implead them in the proceedings.

"All political parties shall file a status report by the next date of hearing on the claim forms they have facilitated for excluded voters," the bench said, posting the matter for September 8. It also directed election officials to provide acknowledgement receipts to booth-level agents (BLAs) submitting claim forms physically on behalf of voters.