Bhatkal: In accordance with the directives of the Election Commission of India, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is currently underway across the state to ensure that the 2025–26 electoral roll is free from discrepancies. As part of this exercise, mandatory mapping of names from the 2002 voter list with the present electoral roll is being carried out.
In Bhatkal, the famous century-old social organisation Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem, along with the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation (an umbrella body of Bhatkal’s sports centres), has become actively involved in creating awareness and assisting the public in completing the mapping process.
What is Mapping?
While the Election Commission periodically undertakes revisions of electoral rolls, this time a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is being conducted. Under this process, the 2002 electoral roll has been taken as the base document, and details of voters listed in that roll are being matched (mapped) with the information in the current electoral roll.
A large-scale voter survey was conducted in 2002, following which a revised voter list was prepared. Although several changes have occurred since then, the 2002 database is being used to verify and connect foundational voter records with the present data.
Objective of the exercise
The primary objective of the mapping process is to identify duplicate entries across electoral rolls, remove the names of deceased voters, and update records of voters who have shifted residences. The exercise aims to eliminate discrepancies and improve the accuracy of the electoral roll.
Public responsibility
Although Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are reportedly visiting households to collect the required information, community leaders have urged citizens not to wait for officials but instead visit their respective polling booths and proactively provide the necessary details.
Information required
Voters whose names were included in the 2002 electoral roll are required to provide the Part Number and Serial Number of their entry to the concerned BLO. Elderly residents may also provide details of their children and other family members to facilitate collective family mapping, which will help avoid complications in future voter registrations within the family.
Online facility available
For those who do not recall their 2002 voter details or no longer possess their old voter identity cards, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer has provided an online facility. Citizens can access their old electoral roll details through the following portal:
https://ceo.karnataka.gov.in/363/electoral-roll--2002/en
Tanzeem and Federation active in Bhatkal
To assist residents in verifying their details and completing the mapping process, help is being provided at the office of Majlis-e-Islah-o-Tanzeem. The Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation (BMYF) is also extending cooperation to the public.
Federation General Secretary Mubashir Hussain Hallare stated that residents from old Bhatkal, particularly those in low-lying areas, have been approaching the Tanzeem office located on Siddique Street for verification and guidance. He added that efforts are underway to establish facilitation centres in various parts of New Bhatkal — from the Noor Masjid area up to Madina Colony and Haneef Abad, along with surrounding areas — within the next few days.
According to him, plans are in place to set up guidance centres at 12 to 14 locations across Bhatkal, with the support of Tanzeem and area-wise sports centres, to assist the public.