The Jammu administration on Tuesday issued an order authorising all tehsildars (revenue officials) to issue a certificate of residence to people residing in the district for more than one year.
The purpose of the certificate of residence is to ensure that no eligible voter is left for registration in the ongoing special summary revision of electoral rolls. “Whereas, Special Summary Revision, 2022 has been started in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with effect from 15th September, 2022, for registration of new voters, deletion, correction, and transposition of voters who have migrated, died since the last Summary Revision,” read the order of the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu.
As per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India, any of the following documents can be accepted as proof of residence: water/electricity/ gas connection for one year; Aadhar card, current passbook of a nationalized/scheduled bank/ post Office; Indian passport; Revenue Department’s land owning record including Kisan Bahi; registered rent/lease deed (in case of Tenant); registered sale deed in case of own house.
The guidelines further stated that in the event that none of the above documents are available, then a field verification is a must. For example, in categories like homeless Indian citizens who are otherwise eligible to become electors but do not possess any documentary proof of ordinary residence, the Electoral Registration Officer shall designate an officer for field verification.
“It has been noticed that some eligible voters are facing hardships in registration as voters due to non-availability of documents mentioned hereinabove; Now, therefore, keeping In view the urgency involved in the matter and to ensure that no eligible voter is left for registration during the Special Summary Revision, 2022. In District Jammu, all Tehslldars are authorized to issue certificates of residence after conducting necessary field verifications, to the person(s) residing In District Jammu for more than one year, for the purpose,” added the order.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti criticised the move. Taking to Twitter, Mufti said, “ECI’s latest order for the registration of new voters makes it clear that GOI’s colonial settler project has been initiated in Jammu. They will bear the first blow to Dogra culture, identity, employment, and business. “
Notably, in August, the Election Commission announced the schedule of the Special Summary Revision in Jammu and Kashmir and announced that the people who were not voters in the Assembly after the abrogation of Article 370 from the region can now be named on the voter’s list.
According to an official, the person does need to be a “permanent resident” of the Union Territory for the same.
The final electoral roll after due disposal of all claims and objections filed within the stipulated time period would be published on 25th November , 2022.