‘SIR forms are broken, BLOs are failing citizens’: Ex-Navy chief slams election chaos

Admiral Arun Prakash, former Chief of the Indian Navy, has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to update the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) forms used for electoral roll exercises. Speaking on social media, Prakash recommended that the forms include more comprehensive information such as occupation and previous SIR location.

Call for SIR Form Revision

Former Indian Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to revise the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) forms used in the electoral roll exercise. On social media, the 82-year-old veteran suggested that the forms be updated to capture more details, such as the voter’s occupation and location during the last SIR.

Deployment of Fully Trained BLOs

Prakash also stressed the importance of deploying fully trained, full-time booth-level officers (BLOs) who can interact effectively with citizens and verify documents. He argued that such officers would prevent unnecessary inconvenience to voters, especially the elderly and those with mobility challenges.

Highlighting Public Awareness Gaps

The former Navy chief further recommended that the ECI inform citizens about the option to upload documents online. He pointed out the need to accommodate migrant labourers and others who may be away from their home constituencies, ensuring they are not disenfranchised.

Admiral Prakash shared his personal difficulties with the SIR process in Goa, where he and his wife were summoned to appear at two different election offices, 18 km apart, despite three home visits from the BLO. While he affirmed his willingness to comply with EC notices, he questioned why the BLO could not have collected the additional required information during earlier visits.

Distinguished Career

Admiral Prakash served as the Chief of the Indian Navy from July 31, 2004, to October 31, 2006, and chaired the Chiefs of Staff Committee from January 31, 2005, to October 31, 2006. A Vir Chakra awardee for his role in the 1971 war, he has also contributed to national security policy post-retirement, including two terms on the National Security Advisory Board and as chairman of the National Maritime Foundation.

Through his observations, Prakash highlighted broader issues in voter registration and the SIR process, calling for procedural improvements, citizen-friendly practices, and better training for BLOs to ensure smoother electoral participation for all.