Sri Vijaya Puram, November 7: The removal of approximately 52,000 names from electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands emerged as a key issue during a youth interaction at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), where Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray also urged unregistered young people to complete their voter enrolment.
Ray disclosed the figure while addressing around 300 students and MY Bharat National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers at the programme titled ‘Viksit Bharat Yuva Samvad – Know Your Vote’, organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), Sri Vijaya Puram, on November 5. He explained that the revision exercise seeks to improve electoral roll accuracy by identifying duplicate registrations, multiple entries and the names of deceased voters.
He advised participants who could not find their names on the electoral rolls to approach their respective Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or use the online voter registration facility to seek necessary action under the prescribed procedure.
The MP also highlighted the importance of voter registration among first-time voters after asking participants whether they had enrolled themselves. Several young people had not registered, prompting him to urge them to complete the process. He said every vote carries equal weight and that voters must independently assess their choices while electing representatives responsible for their constituencies.
The discussion also covered the legal framework governing SIR, voter registration procedures and the need to maintain accurate electoral records. Youth Icon T. Harish Kumar delivered a presentation explaining the revision process, including the identification of duplicate entries, deceased voters and other ineligible names. He also stressed the need to ensure that eligible citizens do not lose their voting rights during the exercise. Dr. T.K. Jijith Rekh addressed the participants on electoral revision and informed democratic participation.
Beyond electoral issues, the interaction brought several public concerns from the Islands before the MP. Participants raised questions about educational stipends, student hostel facilities, healthcare infrastructure, the proposed new hospital and maintenance of National Highway-4 (NH-4), among other public welfare matters.
Ray asked participants to submit written representations on public health concerns and other grievances for follow-up. He also discussed the need to place the Islands’ developmental requirements and the aspirations of young people before the appropriate platforms.
The programme was attended by JNRM Principal Perl Devdas as Guest of Honour, along with social workers and other prominent residents, including P. Yogesh, Baby Mathew, Vivekanand, Minu Prasad and Nalong Mize.
District Youth Officer Deepak Kumar introduced the programme and outlined its objectives, while Joint Director of MY Bharat, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sukha Ranjan Biswas welcomed the chief guest.
Participants also took a ‘Know Your Vote’ pledge, committing themselves to constitutional values, electoral awareness and responsible participation in democracy. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Deepak Kumar, followed by Vande Mataram and the National Anthem.
MY Bharat organised the programme under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in association with JNRM, to promote electoral literacy and youth participation in democratic processes.
