Mobile number not mandatory for SIR forms: EC

The Election Commission on Monday issued a clarification stating that mobile numbers are not mandatory for filling out the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) forms, following tension in several parts of Chennai on Sunday when residents confronted Booth Level Officers (BLOs) over the issue. Officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed that mobile numbers are optional, addressing growing concerns among residents about potential misuse of their personal information. Many alleged that party-based Booth Level Agents (BLAs) were copying mobile numbers from completed forms. “Despite objections from BLOs, BLAs note down our numbers from the forms. We fear unknown persons may misuse them,” said a resident of Kotturpuram. Confusion arose because the enumeration form lists Aadhaar and mobile numbers as the second and third fields respectively. While Aadhaar is clearly marked as optional, the mobile number field carries no such label, prompting voters to believe it was compulsory. “Even though it is not compulsory, BLOs insist that we provide our mobile number. The Election Department must issue clear instructions to field staff,” said a resident of Kodambakkam. Officials from the Election Department reiterated that Aadhaar is not mandatory, and voters may furnish their mobile numbers only if they wish to. They assured that further instructions would be communicated to field personnel to avoid misunderstandings. @@@