Key Facts
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits is facing a language hurdle. The Election Commission of India has directed that enumeration forms be printed only in Telugu across Telangana, starting June 25. However, Hyderabad's linguistic diversity—with only 46% Telugu speakers, 43% Urdu speakers, and significant populations speaking Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, and other languages—has sparked concerns.
Details of the Issue
According to Census 2011 data, Telugu speakers constitute just 46% of Hyderabad district's population, while Urdu speakers make up nearly 43%. The city has seen a massive influx of IT professionals and migrants from other states since then, further diversifying the linguistic landscape. Many younger Telugu speakers are also unable to read or write the language due to its absence in their academic curriculum.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi had earlier flagged the issue in a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, seeking forms in English and Urdu. A senior official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that a request was sent to the Election Commission a week ago but no response has been received. Meanwhile, printing of Telugu forms began on June 15, and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are expected to receive them by June 23 for distribution starting June 25.
Political Reactions and Demands
On Wednesday, representatives of various political parties met District Election Officer and GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan to raise the language issue. There was a consensus among all parties that forms should be printed in English. They also highlighted challenges BLOs may face with migrants from northern states like Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, whose details in the 2002 SIR are recorded in their native languages.
Impact on Voters
The one-language approach could disenfranchise a significant portion of Hyderabad's electorate. Voters who do not understand Telugu may struggle to fill out the forms correctly, leading to errors or omissions in the electoral roll. The delay in addressing this issue could undermine the revision exercise's goal of cleaning up and updating voter lists.
What Readers Should Know
- The SIR is a nationwide exercise to update voter lists from the ground up.
- Forms are currently printed only in Telugu for Hyderabad's GHMC area.
- Political parties and MP Asaduddin Owaisi demand English and Urdu versions.
- The Election Commission has not yet responded to these requests.
- Distribution of forms begins June 25; BLOs will handle the process.
FAQ
Why is the language of enumeration forms a problem in Hyderabad?
Hyderabad is linguistically diverse with only 46% Telugu speakers. Many residents speak Urdu, Hindi, and other languages, and younger Telugu speakers may not read Telugu. Using only Telugu forms could disenfranchise voters.
What has Asaduddin Owaisi demanded regarding the forms?
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer requesting that the enumeration forms be printed in English and Urdu as well, to ensure all citizens can participate.
What is the Election Commission's current stance?
The EC has not yet responded to requests for multilingual forms. Printing of Telugu-only forms began on June 15, and distribution is scheduled from June 25.