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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Yogendra Yadav writes: On ground in Bihar, Election Commission of India writes a dystopian fiction
We were in Patna when the news channels started reporting on the Election Commission of India's (ECI) counter-affidavit on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). We had just finished a day-long jansunwai, a public hearing organised by peoples' organisations, on the ground experience of the SIR in Bihar. About 250 ordinary people from 19 districts across Bihar, mostly villagers and a majority of them women, had come to Patna to share their stories. Some had travelled through the night in trains packed with kanwariyas and job aspirants coming to the state capital for a major exam. Exhausted, a few snoozed off and on, squatting uncomfortably on chairs. About three dozen of them got to tell their stories to a distinguished panel comprising Justice (Retd) Anjana Prakash, Wajahat Habibullah, Jean Drèze, Nandini Sundar, D M Diwakar and Bhanwar Meghwanshi. We read news reports about the affidavit late in the evening. And we recalled what we had heard through the day in the multiple languages of Bihar. The first-hand accounts we heard that day and in the preceding weeks had no resemblance to the official account. These two were clearly about two different worlds. The official account attributed to the ECI could well have been a piece of creative writing, a fiction about an imagined land, if only it were written better. On the ground, it has been a month of dystopia. Phulkumari Devi, a farm labourer from Hasanganj in Katihar, was asked for her photo, a copy of her Voter Card and her Aadhaar Card. (For context: the ECI had dispensed with the requirement of a photograph; EPIC was unnecessary as it was pre-printed on her form; Aadhaar number was 'optional' and the card inadmissible as per the ECI.) She had to sell the rice obtained from the ration shop, the only thing she had, to get photocopies and a photograph from the nearby town. She went hungry and lost two days of wages. Sumitra Devi, around 60 years old, came from Saharsa. She was told she needed to submit papers for her parents, who died long ago, and give caste or domicile certificates for herself, or else she would cease to be 'sarkar ke log'. She has spent Rs 300 to apply for a caste certificate, which she awaits. Gobind Paswan, again from Saharsa, was asked to give a copy of his passbook and land records. (Context: both were on the voters' list in 2003 and were not required to give any documents.) We heard many stories of touts (the husband of an anganwadi worker who was a BLO, for example) who charged poor people Rs 100 for filling in the form. Woman after woman spoke of how difficult and in many cases impossible it was to arrange documents from their mayaka (which was in Nepal in many cases) on the status of their parents in the 2003 electoral rolls. In this context, the idea that migrant workers would 'fill the enumeration form in online mode using their mobile phones through the ECINet App' is a joke. The findings of a rapid survey of migrant workers by Stranded Workers Action Network were reported in the jansunwai. Of the 235 migrant workers staying outside Bihar who were surveyed over the phone, one-third had not heard of the SIR. Among those who had heard, almost three in four had no idea of the required documents. Only one-tenth had heard about the official announcement of online submission. Let's compare just one sentence of official fiction with ground reality. Here is Guideline 3(b) of the SIR order, which the ECI claims to have followed faithfully: 'BLOs shall visit each household and distribute Enumeration Form, with pre-printed details of existing electors, to each existing elector in duplicate and will guide them in filling up the form.' This simple instruction contains six tasks. And it exposes six lies of the ECI. One, the BLOs were supposed to visit each household within their booth. They did not. Given the impossible deadlines, they could not. After trying for the first few days, they were instructed not to 'waste their time' in going from house to house. In nearly half the cases, we heard about voters chasing the BLO and not the other way round. Two, the distribution was to be done by the BLOs. In many urban areas, this was done by municipal employees with no official credentials. Three, they were supposed to give a unique form to each voter with pre-printed details. In many urban areas, including Patna, residents were given a blank form with no personal details. Four, the forms were to be given to each person on the existing voters' list. We heard numerous cases where not every member got the form. Five, the forms were to be given in duplicate, one copy to be given to the BLO and the other to be retained by the voter with a proof of receipt. This simply did not happen, unless an exceptionally persistent voter took a photocopy of her own form and forced the BLO to give an acknowledgement. Mostly, people were given only one form, with no proof of having submitted it to the BLO. Six, the BLO was to assist and guide people in filling in the forms. This was an impossible ask of the poor BLO, often ill-informed and already beleaguered. The best they could do was not misguide the voters. Senior journalist Ajit Anjum has released a number of video reports exposing on camera the SIR's biggest fraud: Enumeration forms being filled in without the voter's consent or even knowledge. We came across a multitude of cases of voters reporting this gross violation of the process. Either family members signed for a person out of station, or people were informed by the BLO that their forms had been submitted, without their having seen or signed them. In several cases, the voters discovered on the ECI website that they could not file their form as it had already been submitted. At least a quarter or more of the total forms filled in (the ECI reports a success rate of 98.01 per cent) could belong to this fraudulent category. These are not exceptions or operational lapses that often happen in a large exercise of this nature. The confusion and chaos of the SIR are an inevitable outcome of its design. What else should you expect if you kickstart such a massive exercise with less than 24 hours' notice, if you expect an ill-equipped and over-burdened administrative machine to carry out multiple tasks within four weeks, and if you demand of 8 crore people the documents you know they may not possess? The brazen violation of rules and norms and fake documentation being reported from all over Bihar was built into the SIR. It is pointless to blame the BLOs and the rest of the administrative machinery. They are as much victims as the ordinary people. The blame lies squarely with the ECI. It is not too late for it to acknowledge the reality and cease this experiment on the people. The jansunwai in Patna ended with a unanimous call to annul the SIR. Swami is state coordinator of Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan, Bihar. Shastri and Yadav work with the national team of Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan. Yadav has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the SIR
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
$1,390 Stimulus check in 2025: Do Americans need to pay tax on the amount and who needs to apply?
Synopsis IRS stimulus checks in 2025: The US government has announced an important relief plan and under this scheme, eligible citizens will be provided a one-time stimulus check of $1,390. A $1,390 stimulus check is coming in 2025 to help with rising living costs. Most people will get it automatically, including those on Social Security, SSDI, SSI, and VA benefits. Reuters The stimulus check of $1,390 in August is completely tax-free Millions of Americans are closely watching updates on the $1,390 stimulus payout in August 2025 as economic uncertainty stretches into the second half of the year. The stimulus payment is part of a federal relief plan which is aimed at low and middle-income households which are struggling with everyday expenses like food, rent, and utility this scheme, eligible citizens will be provided a one-time stimulus check of $1,390. This assistance has been designed keeping in mind those who are struggling with rent, ration, medicine and other essential expenses. ALSO READ: Could ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron sue Coldplay after kiss cam controversy? Check details The stimulus check of $1,390 in August is completely tax-free. This means that you will not have to add this amount to your next year's income and it will not affect any benefits like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), or housing assistance. ALSO READ: Social Security payments worth $5,108 to be rolled out for Americans this week: Who could see up to 50% cut? This stimulus payment relief scheme has been specially designed for those people whose income is limited and eligibility mainly depends on your income and tax status. People in the following categories are likely to receive this payment: Single tax payers: Income up to 75000Married couples (filling jointly): Income of up to 150 000 dollarsHead of household: up to 112.5kApart from this, people who receive social security benefits, VA and Railroad Retirement beneficiaries, and families with qualifying dependents are automatically eligible for stimulus check. If you have received stimulus payments before and your income has remained stable, you are likely to be eligible this time there is no official announcement on the official date, it is expected that the stimulus checks will be sent out in mid-summer 2025. The IRS and other related agencies are working on the can get this payment in the following ways:Direct Deposit: The fastest and most convenient way, if your bank details are already with the IRS or Social Check: If bank details are not available, the check will be mailed to your Debit Card: Some beneficiaries may receive payments in the form of a prepaid card. ALSO READ: Ozzy Osbourne's massive wealth exposed: How did the legendary rockstar make $220 million? Most people will not need to apply for stimulus check. If you recently filed a tax return or are receiving benefits from Social Security, SSDI, or SSI, you are automatically eligible. But if you have neither filed taxes nor received any benefits, you will have to apply for stimulus will soon update its 'Get My Payment' or 'Check Eligibility' tool for 2025. Through this, you can know whether:Whether you are eligible or notWhen and how your payment is being sentIf there is any problem, what is itYou can get this information by visiting the official website of IRS.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Over 21 lakh enumeration forms yet to be received in Bihar: ECI
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) said that enumeration forms of 21.36 lakh electors are yet to be received in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar. Out of a total of 7,89,69,844 electors in the State, forms have been received from 7,16,04,102 voters, while 52,30,126 electors were not found at their registered addresses. As per the ECI's statement, 18,66,869 individuals are likely deceased, 7,50,742 are enrolled at multiple locations, 26,01,031 are believed to have permanently shifted, and 11,484 could not be traced. Also read | Aadhaar, voter ID and ration cards can't be accepted as 'standalone documents' for SIR: ECI The Commission said that July 25 is the final date for submission of enumeration forms. Names of those who have submitted forms will be included in the draft electoral rolls to be published on August 1. The ECI stated that efforts have been intensified to ensure inclusion of all eligible voters in the draft electoral roll. The election machinery — comprising nearly one lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs), four lakh volunteers, and 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) nominated by the district presidents of 12 major political parties — is working to trace electors whose forms have not been received or who were not found at their listed addresses. Chief Electoral Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, and BLOs have also held meetings with representatives of political parties, sharing lists of the 21.36 lakh electors whose forms are pending and nearly 52.30 lakh who are reportedly deceased, permanently shifted, or enrolled at multiple places. According to the SIR order dated June 24, the draft rolls published on August 1 will be open to public scrutiny for a one-month period till September 1, during which any member of the public may file objections regarding additions, deletions, or corrections.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Aadhaar, voter, ration cards considered only for identification': EC justifies SIR in Bihar
The Election Commission of India has justified its ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar saying it adds to the purity of the election by "weeding out ineligible persons" from the electoral rolls. The affidavit filed by the poll panel in a plea challenging June 24 order directing SIR of electoral roll pan-India starting from Bihar said despite legal concerns, Aadhaar , voter card and ration card were already being considered by the commission for the limited purpose of identity during the SIR-2025 exercise. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category PGDM Finance others Leadership Degree Data Science Design Thinking Others Management healthcare Operations Management Product Management Public Policy Cybersecurity Data Analytics CXO MBA Digital Marketing Technology MCA Data Science Project Management Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis & Decision Making Quantitative & Analytical Skills Organizational Management & Leadership Innovation & Entrepreneurship Duration: 24 Months IMI Delhi Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Online) Starts on Sep 1, 2024 Get Details "The SIR exercise adds to the purity of elections by weeding out ineligible persons from the electoral roll. The entitlement to vote flows from Article 326 read with Sections 16 and 19 of the RP Act 1950 and Section 62 of the RP Act 1951 which contains certain qualifications with respect to citizenship, age, and ordinary residency. An ineligible person has no right to vote, and thus, cannot claim a violation of Articles 19 and 21 in this regard," the poll panel said in a detailed affidavit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo It referred to the July 17 order of the top court asking the ECI to consider Aadhaar, voter and ration cards for the purpose of SIR-2025. "In addition to the legal concerns already articulated hereinabove, these documents are, in fact, already being considered by the Commission for the limited purpose of identity, during the SIR process," it said. Live Events The ECI continued, "A bare perusal of the enumeration form issued under the SIR Order reveals that the Aadhaar number may be voluntarily furnished by a person furnishing the enumeration form. Such information is utilised for the purpose of identification, in accordance with Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Section 9 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016." Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 stipulates the "electoral registration officer may for the purpose of establishing the identity of any person require that such person may furnish the Aadhaar number given by the Unique Identification Authority of India as per the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016". On the other hand, Section 9 of the 2016 Act says Aadhaar number is not evidence of citizenship or domicile, etc. The poll panel said each and every existing elector, other than migrants who are temporarily absent from Bihar, are provided with their pre-filled enumeration forms at their homes, by Booth Level Officers (BLO), in person. "That each and every existing elector has the same opportunity to provide all documents including proof of eligibility to the BLO at their place of residence. No elector is put through any hardship in comparison to the persons mentioned above. The same methodology has been utilised for all past SIRs as well. Moreover, the BLOs, BLAs (booth level agents), and volunteers are actively facilitating the obtaining of eligibility documents for all genuine electors who require assistance…," it said. The poll panel further informed the court that as on July 18, of the 7,89,69,844 existing electors in Bihar, enumeration forms from 7,11,72,660 electors, constituting 90.12 per cent, had already been collected. "Accounting for deceased individuals, permanently shifted electors, and those enrolled in more than one place, the Form collection phase of the SIR has effectively covered 94.68 per cent of the nearly 7.9 crore-strong electorate in Bihar. The electorate who are untraceable despite multiple visits by the BLOs constitute a mere 0.01% of the total electors. As on July 18, 2025, only 5.2 percent electors remain to submit their filled EFs before the July 25 deadline," it said.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
PDS subsidy for four-member family in TN at a high of Rs 300
Each AAY cardholder gets Rs 500 subsidy per month TNIE has cross-verified these bills with both the PDS staff and the state food department. 'These bills not only show the subsidy granted by the government to help manage inflation but also the actual cost of each PDS commodity. The actual cost includes both procurement and transportation costs of the product. This brings greater transparency into the system,' said an official from the food department. Through the PDS, about 20,000 metric tonnes of tur dal and 20,000 kilolitres of cooking oil enter the commodity market monthly at subsidised prices, helping to keep inflation in check, added the official. Fair price shops sell tur dal at Rs 30 per kg and cooking oil at Rs 25 per litre, whereas in the open market, tur dal costs between Rs 130 and Rs 150 per kg, and palmolein oil is priced at Rs 150 to Rs 155 per litre. 'Even when the price of tur dal soared to Rs 180 to Rs 200 per kg in the open market last year, the government did not raise the selling price at ration shops,' the official explained. The state government has earmarked Rs 4,800 crore annually for supplying tur dal and palmolein oil alone, out of the total budget of Rs 13,000 crore for the Food department for 2025-26. According to a press release issued by the Cooperation department last week, 28,736 out of 35,001 fair ration shops have completed the integration of weighing scales and PoS machines, helping to prevent any malpractice during the distribution of commodities. The PoS machines generate a bill for every transaction once it is completed. The allocation of rice and wheat for 1.01 crore priority household (PHH) ration cards under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) is funded by the union government. However, the supply of other commodities, including tur dal, sugar, cooking oil, and rice/wheat for NPHH cards, is funded by the state government. The subsidy for each of TN's 18 lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana cardholders receiving 35 kg of rice under the NFSA is estimated to reach around Rs 500 per month, which includes Rs 280 provided by the centre. Following the centre's insistence, bills for items under the NFSA were issued in just a few locations about a year ago.
