Veil Must Lift Votes under new directions issued by the Rajasthan State Election Commission ahead of Panchayati Raj elections. While election dates may take time, the commission has accelerated preparations to ensure fair and transparent polling.
The commission has instructed officials to verify the identity of all voters, including women who observe purdah. Women voters will not be allowed to cast their vote without identity verification. Polling officers must confirm the voter’s identity by matching facial features with photographs on the voter list and voter ID cards.
According to the official order, presiding officers can seek help from local female staff for identification. These staff members usually serve as Booth Level Officers at polling stations. The commission believes this step will prevent impersonation and fake voting.
State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh clarified that the instruction follows routine election practices. He said the goal is to maintain fairness and transparency during elections. Chief Election Officer and Secretary Rajesh Verma also confirmed that identity verification remains mandatory.
Interestingly, the guidelines also suggest limiting the deployment of women staff in polling teams wherever possible. However, officials explained that local female staff would still assist when required.
The commission issued a 14-point directive assigning district election officers the responsibility of forming polling teams. Officials insist the measures aim only to safeguard electoral integrity.
