The Odisha State Election Commission has started the preparation and revision of voter lists ahead of the upcoming panchayat and municipal elections across the state.
Fresh guidelines have been issued to streamline voter registration, correction of details and disposal of electoral roll-related complaints in both rural and urban local bodies.
The move is aimed at ensuring smoother election management and improving the accuracy of voter records before the local body polls.
Sub-Collectors To Lead Voter Roll Revision Process
Under the new framework, Sub-Collectors across Odisha have been appointed as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) for their respective subdivision areas.
Meanwhile, Block Development Officers (BDOs) will function as Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and assist in the revision and preparation of electoral rolls.
Officials said the revised system is expected to speed up voter registration processes and ensure timely resolution of issues linked to electoral rolls.
Complaints And Corrections To Be Handled At Local Level
According to the guidelines, applications related to:
- Inclusion of voter names
- Deletion of entries
- Correction of voter details
will now be examined at the Sub-Collector level.
Citizens dissatisfied with decisions taken by the ERO or AERO can file appeals before the District Collector.
Earlier, these responsibilities were directly managed by District Collectors or authorised officials.
New Electoral Structure For Urban Local Bodies
The State Election Commission has also announced separate electoral arrangements for urban local bodies.
For Municipal Corporations:
- Additional Commissioners will act as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs)
- Zonal Deputy Commissioners will function as Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs)
For Municipalities and Notified Area Councils (NACs):
- Concerned Sub-Collectors will serve as EROs
- Executive Officers will perform AERO duties
The revised structure is expected to strengthen electoral administration and improve coordination ahead of the Odisha local body elections.
Odisha Poll Preparations Gain Momentum
The voter roll revision exercise signals that preparations for Odisha’s upcoming panchayat and municipal elections have entered a crucial phase.
The State Election Commission is expected to intensify electoral activities in the coming weeks, including verification drives, voter awareness campaigns and scrutiny of updated voter records.
