Electronic data processing equipment in some Chennai Corporation zones has been damaged by rats, leading to a disruption in the electoral preparation process.
More than 2.5 lakh residents updated their details at the electoral roll special camps organised by the Corporation in October, and data entry is under way.
“The damage caused by rats has led to a delay in the completion of the work,” an official of Chennai Corporation admitted.
“More than 15 data entry operators are at work in our zone. But only 50 per cent of the work has been completed so far. We have to finish the work by November 9,” said an electoral registration officer of a zone where rats damaged the infrastructure recently.
Last year too, the work was disrupted because of rats. But the impact was not as severe then, he said. This year there is lot of work because of the impending Lok Sabha elections and rats continue to create unforeseen challenges when working under a deadline.
“As many as 5,000 electors who turn 18 years next year registered in my ward last month. This is a large number when compared to last year. There is enthusiasm among electors to include their names on the electoral rolls. Officials should take measures to prevent any hindrance to the electoral registration process during this crucial period,” said D. Vijayaramakrishna, councillor of ward 115.
As per the directions of the Election Commission of India for the special summary revision 2014, special camps in all polling booths of the 16 assembly constituencies in Chennai district were organised ahead of next year’s elections. Between October 1 and 31, a large number of residents contacted the district election office on the toll free number 1913 for queries, doubts and clarifications with regard to inclusions, deletions and corrections on the electoral rolls.
