Roll revision will enhance transparency: RSS

The RSS, the ideological mentor of the BJP, has backed the Election Commission's proposed move to hold the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country.

“Efficient electoral processes are the backbone of democracy, and initiatives like SIR help strengthen this foundation," Sunil Ambekar, Sangh’s national spokesperson, said during a press conference on Sunday in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, highlighting the need for transparency and meticulous voter verification.

The press conference was held after a three-day coordination meeting of the RSS in Jodhpur. Ambekar also maintained that the Sangh had historically been a part of such efforts across the country at the grassroots level. He called for the SIR’s rigorous implementation for ‘free and fair’ elections.

The Election Commission proposes to hold SIR at the all-India level, although no date has been decided as to by when it will be conducted. On September 10, the poll body has called a meeting of its CEOs from all states to discuss the modalities of holding the exercise nationally.

Talking about the drug menace in Punjab, the Sangh’s national spokesperson said the issue was a pressing concern and the RSS and its affiliates were working closely with the police, administration, among the youth and with government agencies on rehabilitation programmes and awareness campaigns, aiming to restore societal balance and provide support to the affected families.

In the North-East, Ambekar told mediapersons that warring communities were gradually overcoming their divisions. Referring to strife-torn Manipur, he said that following the Kuki-Meitei violent clashes, the Sangh and its affiliates were actively promoting dialogue and coordination among local community leaders and people.

Speaking about West Bengal, Ambekar said that concerns have been raised over rising crime, infiltration and deteriorating law and order conditions. “Multiple organisations have flagged these issues, with public complaints steadily increasing," he added.

During the three-day deliberation meeting, issues related to the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) and challenges related to the diverse language issues were extensively discussed.

The Sangh, the spokesperson said, has also engaged with stakeholders on the implementation of the NEP, working alongside the UGC and NCERT on curricular reforms by giving suggestions received from the groundwork and related surveys.

The emphasis is on updating textbooks in terms of language, cultural and historical content, and modernisation while ensuring that Indian languages are prioritised. “While English has gained prominence, local languages must not be sidelined," said Ambekar. Consensus-building, expert consultation, and consistent government coordination are seen as critical to this process, he added.

Textbooks in 22 languages and official circulars in multiple languages indicate progress in the process taken up by the government. He further added that English dominance continues to marginalise many in competitive arenas. Strengthening regional languages, according to the Sangh, is an ongoing process requiring sustained attention and outreach.