Odisha State Election Commission initiated the process for preparation and revision of electoral rolls ahead of the forthcoming municipal and panchayat elections. Fresh guidelines were issued on voter registration and correction procedures across rural and urban local bodies.

Under the revised framework, every Sub-Collector has been designated as the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for their respective subdivision areas.

Block Development Officers (BDOs) will function as Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) within their jurisdictions and assist in the preparation and revision of voter lists.

The move is aimed at streamlining the process of voter registration and ensuring timely disposal of applications related to electoral rolls before the local body elections.

Complaints To Be Examined At Sub-Collector Level

According to the new guidelines, complaints and applications regarding inclusion of names in the electoral roll, deletion of entries and correction of voter details will be examined at the level of the Sub-Collector.

Individuals dissatisfied with decisions taken by the ERO or AERO will have the option of approaching the District Collector through an appeal mechanism.

Previously, such responsibilities were handled directly by the District Collector or officials authorised by the Collector.

Separate Arrangements For Urban Local Bodies

The State Election Commission also specified the electoral administration structure for urban local bodies.

In Municipal Corporations, Additional Commissioners will function as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), while Zonal Deputy Commissioners will serve as Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs).

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For Municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NACs), the concerned Sub-Collector of the district will act as the ERO and the Executive Officer will discharge the responsibilities of the AERO.