In the Rangpuri Pahari slum of Delhi, a wave of unease has swept through the community of migrant workers. These individuals, who have long lived on the margins of society, are now confronted with the daunting prospect of making unexpected and costly trips back to their hometowns to ensure their names remain on India’s electoral rolls. This follows the initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by India’s Election Commission on November 4, a nationwide effort to update voter lists across 12 states and federally administered regions, encompassing nearly 510 million voters. The SIR aims to eliminate ineligible voters and include those who are eligible, but for many migrant workers, this process poses significant challenges. Anjali Mondol, a domestic worker, expressed her concerns about the financial strain and potential job loss associated with taking unplanned leave. Similar worries were voiced by Subhashri Doloi, who fears depleting her savings meant for voting in the upcoming elections. The SIR also raises fears about access to welfare schemes and, for those from West Bengal, the added anxiety of proving citizenship amidst ongoing crackdowns on alleged illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. While the Election Commission has introduced online verification to ease the process, many workers remain unfamiliar with or wary of this option. The physical forms can be filled by family members, but the lack of awareness and the tight deadlines exacerbate the stress. Rajesh Kumar, a trade unionist, has called for more awareness campaigns and help desks in major cities to assist migrant workers. Despite these challenges, some, like Ramdhin Prajapati, view the SIR as a necessary one-time effort. However, for workers from West Bengal, where elections are imminent, the time constraints are particularly pressing. The situation underscores the broader issues faced by India’s migrant population, who navigate the complexities of electoral participation while grappling with job insecurity and financial instability.
‘Can’t afford lost wages’: India’s voter roll revision is worrying migrant workers
