Special summary revision of voter rolls concludes

Srinagar, Aug 20: With the stage all set for the Legislative Assembly polls, the region has witnessed a significant increase of over 93,000 new voters, courtesy the corresponding rise in the number of young and women voters, even as the number of polling stations across J&K has also gone up by 209.

“This came to the fore as the special summary of photo electoral rolls with a qualifying date of July 1, 2024, was completed in all 20 districts of J&K,” the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, said on Tuesday.

“With a focus on ensuring accuracy, inclusivity, and purity of electoral rolls, the mammoth special summary revision exercise has been completed successfully in J&K. We have been able to include all the eligible citizens who have turned 18 or those who have registered for the first time, as well as to identify and remove ineligible voters, besides correcting errors and discrepancies, to improve the health and accuracy of electoral rolls,” he said.

The CEO reiterated the commitment to enhance voter participation and inclusivity as well as to ensure the integrity of electoral processes as he detailed the notable findings of the special summary revision 2024.

“As per the special summary revision-2024 completed with the publication of the final electoral roll, the total number of electors stands at 88.03 Lakh. These include 44.89 lakh male, 43.13 lakh female, and 168 third gender electors,” the CEO said in a statement.

A total of 93,284 voters have been added in this special summary revision across J&K, while the elector population ratio has improved from 0.59 to 0.60.

Highlighting the notable achievements, the CEO said that the number of young voters in the 18 to 19 years age group has increased by 45,964, with 24,310 of them being women, even as the overall number of women voters has also gone up by 51,142.

“This significant increase in the number of young electors in J&K demonstrates the commitment of young electors towards the electoral process," the CEO said. “The total number of young electors in J&K in the 18-29 age group stand at 25.34 lakh.”

The comprehensive increase in first-time young voters is attributed to the comprehensive SVEEP plan and its successful implementation by the respective District Election Officers, under the overall guidance of the CEO.

The CEO also noted the special efforts made during the special summary revision exercise which has resulted in the improvement in the gender ratio of the electors by 2 points – going up from 959 to 961, demonstrating significant progress in efforts towards intensification of electoral inclusion of women.

“A grounds-up, multi-faceted campaign including organising Prabhat Feris, door-to-door and mass awareness programmes have contributed significantly to the increase in the number of women electors,” the CEO said.

Along with the increase in the number of electors, the number of polling stations across J&K has also seen an uptick, this year.

“The number of polling stations (PSs) in J&K for the upcoming assembly elections has increased from 11,629 to 11,838 and polling station locations (PSLs) from 8930 to 9168. This increase of 209 polling stations and 238 polling station locations has come due to the rationalisation of the polling stations and polling locations while ensuring that there should be a distance of less than 2 km to facilitate the voters,” the CEO said.

The CEO said that as of date, J&K has 83,191 registered Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) voters, while the number of centenarian voters (of age over 100 years) at 2428.

Appreciating all the stakeholders involved in the Special Summary Revision, the CEO underlined the significance of good quality, pure electoral rolls weeded out of all errors.

The CEO appreciated the Block Level Officers (BLOs) and the key role played in the successful conduct of the house-to-house surveys across the challenging terrains of J&K, even as he noted the significant rise in the number of registered Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) voters and migrant voters.

The CEO appealed to all eligible voters across J&K to exercise their franchise on the polling days in their respective constituencies and strengthen democracy in J&K.