Voter rolls under review ahead of Himachal local body poll

With elections to the urban local bodies (ULBs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on the horizon, the process of revising the electoral rolls has officially begun across the state. The revision comes even as the reservation roster preparation remains on hold, pending the compilation of population data for the backward classes.

Elections for PRIs are scheduled to be held by the end of the year, while those for the ULBs are expected to take place early next year. As part of the electoral roll update, names of duplicate voters, deceased individuals and those who have shifted residences are being removed after due verification. Additionally, lists of unverified electors will be prepared and displayed on the notice boards of respective ULBs and PRIs, and also presented before gram sabhas and general house meetings for public scrutiny and discussion.

To ensure a comprehensive update, the State Election Commission (SEC) is utilising the database of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to prepare draft rolls. Detailed instructions in this regard were issued to all district election officers-cum-deputy commissioners on August 1. As per the notified timeline, mapping of all polling stations must be completed by August 14.

Electors already enrolled with the ECI will automatically be included in the draft rolls. However, eligible individuals who are not listed may apply for inclusion after the draft is published. A preview of the draft is expected to be released by September 19, and officials are racing to meet the deadline.

To facilitate public participation and feedback, special gram sabhas will be convened by PRIs from September 20 to 26. ULBs will also hold general house meetings during this period to deliberate upon any objections related to the draft rolls.

While the SEC is pushing forward with preparations, the delay in compiling data for backward classes has sparked political debate. The state government intends to introduce reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in ULB elections, but political leaders from across the spectrum argue that existing records — used for issuing caste certificates — should suffice, suggesting the delay may be politically motivated.

Elections are to be held in 3,615 gram panchayats and 74 urban local bodies across the state, marking a significant democratic exercise in the coming months.