NERRAP launched in Nagaland

The National Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme (NERRAP) was launched in Nagaland today by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sentiyanger Imchen.
Launching the central programme in the state capital, Imchen said the programme decided by the Election Commission (ECI) was launched with the objective of bringing an error-free and authentic electoral roll in the country.
He said the task has to be complete and the "purified electoral roll" should be published by August 15, 2015.
Imchen said under the NERRAP, authentic EPIC data of electors would be linked with Aadhar data of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to avoid duplication or double entries.

Stressing that multiple entry and duplication was the main concern in the state, he informed the scheme would provide electors to come forward for voluntary disclosure of multiple entries pertaining to them and disposal of such cases within 15 days by the election returning officers.
The CEO said intentional multiple entries in electoral roll at different places was punishable under the relevant sections of Representation of Peoples Act 1951, however voluntary disclosure by electors would avoid penalisation.

He also said the Election Department would welcome any information regarding duplication and multiple entries from any individual, political parties and NGOs.
A nation-wide special camp will be organised at the booth level in all Assembly constituencies on April 12 for collection of Aadhar data, correction of entries or replacement of photograph in EPIC, he added.

Imchen sought cooperation of the apex tribal bodies, civil societies, NGOs and political parties in the state to extend support to the State Election Department in their effort to rectify and publish a correct electoral roll.