Diocese of Mysore Conducts Voter Awareness, Trainer Programme on Electoral Roll Revision

Mysuru, Feb. 16, 2026: In a bid to promote inclusive and informed participation in the democratic process, the Diocese of Mysore organised an emergency awareness and Training of Trainers (TOT) programme on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at the Catholic Centre, Mysuru on Saturday.

The initiative followed regional directives issued by the Karnataka Regional Organisation for Social Service after consultations held in Bengaluru in the presence of Bishop Peter Machado. Organisers said the programme forms part of a structured diocesan effort to strengthen voter awareness and civic responsibility at the grassroots level.

The training was jointly coordinated by the diocesan Laity, Women’s, Youth, and Social Development Commissions under a district-wise action plan. Responsibilities were assigned across regions, with each commission tasked with organising voter awareness drives, guiding documentation procedures, and facilitating parish-level assistance in its respective district.

A Karnataka Administrative Service officer addressed participants, explaining procedures related to voter ID verification, new registrations, corrections, deletions, and transposition of entries under the SIR process. The session also clarified documentation requirements to ensure eligible citizens are properly included in electoral rolls.

The TOT session was led by Elish Andrew, who trained parish representatives to establish Voter Facilitation Help Desks. These desks will assist parishioners with application procedures through both online and offline platforms.

Participants included commission secretaries, priests, religious, youth leaders, lay representatives, teachers, and members of women’s Self-Help Groups from Mysore, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mandya districts.

Diocesan authorities stated that parishes will now actively support parishioners in verifying voter status, preparing necessary documents, and submitting applications, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible voter is excluded from the democratic process.

By Fr. Arul Selva