Leh: In line with directions issued by the Election Commission of India, the District Election Officer (DEO) and Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, IAS, chaired a high-level meeting to review preparatory arrangements for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll.
The meeting was held at the VC Room of the DC Office, Leh, ahead of the tentative commencement of the Special Revision of the Electoral Roll (SRL) in April 2026.
Focus on Accuracy and Coordination
The meeting was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs)/Tehsildars, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and representatives of recognised political parties.
The DEO stressed the importance of timely appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) by political parties. He highlighted the need for close coordination between BLOs and BLAs to ensure accurate voter list entries and eliminate duplication in the electoral roll.
It was decided that:
- Joint district-level training of BLOs and BLAs will be conducted.
- Capacity-building programmes will follow at the sub-divisional level under SDM supervision.
Polling Station Infrastructure Review
Discussions were also held on polling station rationalisation and infrastructure improvement. Political parties were invited to submit representations regarding relocation of polling stations, if necessary.
Tehsildars were directed to review polling stations based on:
- Availability of basic amenities
- Accessibility for voters
- Distance from headquarters
- Vulnerability mapping
Special attention will be given to remote and far-flung areas such as Dungti and Chumur to ensure inclusive electoral coverage.
Manpower, Connectivity and Documentation
The meeting also addressed manpower planning, stationery requisition, internet connectivity, and contingency measures, including deployment of reserve BLOs.
BLOs were instructed to maintain proper documentation and preserve supporting records to prevent discrepancies during the revision process. Quarterly coordination meetings between AEROs and political parties were proposed, with meeting minutes to be submitted to the DEO for review.
Political Parties Participate
Padma Angmo, JKAS, Deputy District Election Officer Leh, SDM Khaltse, and district presidents/representatives of INC, BJP, and BSP attended the meeting physically. AEROs/Tehsildars from various subdivisions and the district president of AAP, Leh, joined virtually.
Commitment to Free and Fair Electoral Process
The District Election Officer emphasized collective cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that the Special Intensive Revision is conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and efficient manner, strictly in accordance with Election Commission guidelines.
The upcoming SIR exercise aims to strengthen electoral integrity and ensure an accurate and updated voter list ahead of future elections in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
