India, Aug. 6 -- Voters are confused and apprehensive regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, with preliminary estimates suggesting that over 20% of names could be deleted. In an interview with Surendra P Gangan, Maharashtra's chief electoral officer S Chockalingam addressed these concerns. Excerpts: This is common across the country, as inter-city and inter-state migration is significantly higher in metros. A large floating population makes it difficult for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to locate electors at their registered addresses. Additionally, many people work all day, and BLOs can meet them only on weekends. These factors have led to lower enumeration levels in metropolitan areas. While 23 districts have achieved over 90% enumeration, in major cities this continues to remain below 80%. We are on track and expect the enumeration process to be completed by August 17. But if there are specific circumstances in particular locations that warrant additional time, a limited extension can be considered. Let me clarify that the entire exercise is guided by one principle: no eligible citizen should be left out and no ineligible person should be included. Going by the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, we need to verify if a voter continues to reside at the registered address and whether they are Indian citizens aged 18 years and above. There is no need to submit documents if the voter's details have been successfully mapped in the 2002 SIR records. Further, if there are anomlies in mapping, necessary documentation to clarify the anomaly need to be given. Around 80% of voters have already been mapped. The remaining electors will need to submit documents to establish their eligibility and nationality. The rules contain special provisions for vulnerable and marginalised categories. We began enrolling transgenders in the electoral rolls only ten years ago, and many may not have been part of the 2002 SIR records. Therefore, special procedures exist for these categories, and BLOs ensure that their enumeration is carried out appropriately. Additions to the electoral roll are a continuous process. Even after the draft electoral roll is published, any eligible person whose name is missing can apply for inclusion by submitting the required documents. Those who could not provide the necessary documents during the current exercise can also reapply once they acquire these. Since there is no immediate election in the state, voters need not panic-there will be sufficient opportunity for correction. SIR is specifically intended to remove Absent, Shifted, Dead, and Duplicate (ASDD) entries. Unlike the Special Summary Revision, which primarily verifies whether there have been changes in an elector's details, SIR requires the elector's signature on the enumeration form, making the verification more rigorous. At this stage, it is not possible to estimate how many names will be removed from the draft rolls. The extent of deletions is likely to vary between rural and urban areas. Since migration is significantly higher in MMR, the number of ASDD entries deletions is likely to be higher here....