PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES 1017
Shri Deshbandhu Gupta: May I know whether complaints have been received from various States as to omissions or incorrect entries—a large number of them—in the electoral rolls, and if so what steps have been taken by Government to remove these defects ?
Dr. Ambedkar : Well, really speaking, that is a matter which must be within the cognizance of the Election Commissioner, and I am sure if any irregularities have been reported to the Election Commissioner, he will exercise his powers to set them right.
Shri Deshbandhu Gupta: Has it come to the notice of the Election Commissioner or the Government that in the State of Delhi itself as many as 40,000 women are required to file objections to get themselves enrolled as voters for the simple reason that they have been enrolled as “Mrs. so-and-so” or “Miss so-and-so”?
Dr. Ambedkar : It is possible.
Shri Deshbandhu Gupta: Sir, in view of the fact that the elections have now been postponed, will Government consider the desirability of getting such incorrect entries corrected of its own accord, rather than require the objectors to file objections ?
Dr. Ambedkar : I shall convey the suggestion to the
Mr. Speaker : Order, order. It is a suggestion for action.
Shri Syamnandan Sahaya : In view of the fact that the Constitution lays down that there is to be adult franchise, will Government please state whether they shall take into consideration the results of the next census in the matter of drawing up the electoral rolls ?
Dr. Ambedkar : It is not necessary, as it is provided in the Constitution that if the elections take place within three years of the inauguration of the Constitution, the population of 1941 census may be taken into account, or in certain other cases the population may be determined by the President by order.
Mr. Deshmukh : Is the Hon. Minister aware that in some States the price proposed for the voters’ list is exorbitant and may I know whether Government would issue any orders to the effect that these lists should not be so very costly ?