Pune: Election authorities have enlisted housing society federations across state to help Booth Level Officers (BLOs) reach residents and improve voter participation in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that starts later this month.Senior electoral officials in the state said representatives of the state housing federation have been requested to coordinate with residential societies and assist BLOs during the distribution and collection of verification forms.“During previous large-scale surveys, including the Census, field staff often faced difficulties gaining access to residential complexes. In some cases, officials were turned away or faced reluctance from residents. Cooperation from housing societies and resident welfare associations will be critical to ensure that every eligible elector is covered,” a senior election official said.The initiative is significant given that Maharashtra has more than two lakh registered housing societies, many located in urban centres where access-controlled complexes could pose logistical challenges during the revision exercise.State housing federation chairperson Suhas Patwardhan said the federation has begun creating awareness among residents. “We assisted govt agencies during the phase I of Census 2027 and will extend similar support for the SIR. We have circulated messages among member societies so that residents understand the purpose of the exercise and cooperate with BLOs when they visit,” he said.Several housing society representatives, however, said greater public communication would be necessary to ensure smooth implementation.“There is still considerable confusion among residents about the documents required and the purpose of the exercise. The Election Commission should release more explanatory videos, FAQs and multilingual messages so that people are prepared before BLOs start visiting,” a committee member of a large housing society in Baner said.A federation representative from Kharadi said many apartment residents are working professionals who may not be available during the daytime visits. “Advance information through societies will help residents coordinate with BLOs and avoid repeated visits. Better awareness will make the process easier for both officials and voters,” he added.Another society office-bearer from Wakad said misinformation circulating on social media was creating unnecessary apprehensions. “Official communication should reach residents directly through housing societies. If people understand the process clearly, cooperation levels will be much higher,” he said.Election officials said voter awareness remains a key focus area. During a recent review meeting in Pune, state Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam directed district officials to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the revision process.Under the SIR schedule, house-to-house enumeration will be conducted from June 30 to July 29. Draft electoral rolls will be published on Aug. 5, while claims and objections can be filed until Sept. 4. Hearings and verification will continue until Oct. 3, with the final rolls scheduled for publication on Oct. 7.Officials said every elector will receive a partially pre-filled verification form containing details such as name, EPIC number and address. The form will also carry a QR code and the voter’s existing photograph. Electors will be required to affix a recent colour photograph and provide information including date of birth, cellphone number and family particulars.Aadhaar details will remain optional and will be used only for identification purposes. A key feature of the exercise will be the mapping of electors with records from the last Special Intensive Revision conducted in 2002.Electors whose records fully match earlier rolls will not receive notices but voters whose details show discrepancies, partial matches or unresolved linkages may be issued notices and told to furnish supporting documents during verification.
