Belagavi: A fresh controversy has erupted over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka after allegations surfaced that government school students were used in the process at a school in Belagavi district. Taking serious note of the incident, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan has ordered an inquiry.
The alleged incident occurred on Tuesday at the Government Kannada Higher Primary School in Maradimath village of Gokak taluk. According to the allegations, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) involved schoolchildren in distributing and collecting enumeration forms related to the SIR exercise.
Videos circulating on social media purportedly show students handling the forms, triggering public criticism and raising questions over the involvement of minors in an official election-related exercise.
Following the controversy, the Deputy Commissioner issued a notice to the Gokak Tahsildar, seeking an explanation. He warned that strict action would be taken if the inquiry establishes any violation of the Election Commission’s guidelines or any administrative lapses.
According to preliminary information, students were allegedly asked to assist in filling enumeration forms and pasting photographs. The district administration has launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the facts and determine whether any election norms were violated.
