Telangana senior citizens struggle to trace old electoral records for enumeration forms

Senior citizens in Telangana are facing difficulties completing voter enumeration forms as they struggle to trace old electoral records, particularly the SIR 2002 list. Many depend on relatives for assistance, while some are also submitting forms on behalf of children living outside the State.

Hyderabad: After having exercised their franchise in several elections in the past, the biggest challenge for senior citizens in Telangana is not proving that they are eligible voters but filling out the enumeration forms by tracing old electoral records.

The elderly electors, who obtained enumeration forms and some guidance from the BLOs, are overwhelmed with search for the SIR 2002 list. Many are depending on their children or relatives to trace details from previous electoral rolls, as searching old voter records proves to be a daunting task even for the younger generation.

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“With help of a relative, I traced my SIR 2002 details in my hometown in Medak. However, details of my wife could not be found in the previous list despite voting in every election,” said Kishan, a 70-year-old voter.

Kishan said since his wife’s name could not be found in the SIR 2002 list, he had to fill only the bottom column of her enumeration form, linking his EPIC details with her voter ID details.

The burden is greater for elderly parents whose children are settled outside the State. Besides completing their own enumeration forms, several elderly voters are also filling and submitting forms on behalf of their sons and daughters who are residing abroad and in other States.

“Initially, I thought of sending the enumeration form to my son, who is residing in Bengaluru, via courier. When I contacted the BLO, she told me that the head of the family could fill the form and submit it. So, with the help of my son, I traced the family details from the last SIR and filled the form,” said Subhashini, a 63-year-old voter.