Former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash Called for Identity Verification Amid SIR Process, Sparking Concerns Among Veterans
Admiral Arun Prakash, a distinguished former head of the Indian Navy and veteran of the 1971 conflict, has been summoned by the Election Commission to verify his identity personally as part of Goa's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This action has sparked significant backlash from military veterans who are questioning the execution of the verification process.
The Chief Electoral Officer's office has issued a notice requiring Admiral Prakash to report to the Electoral Registration Officer of the Cortalim constituency on January 17. Meanwhile, his spouse, Kumkum Prakash, has been directed to appear on January 19. The notice specifies that identity verification is necessary to ensure their inclusion in the electoral roll.
Admiral Prakash, acclaimed for his service as a naval aviator during the 1971 India-Pakistan war aboard the INS Vikrant, expressed his surprise over the notice. He mentioned that he has been associated with Goa since 1968, with a permanent residency established in 2009. Both he and his wife had completed the SIR forms on time and were assured by their names appearing in the draft electoral roll for 2026.
Despite his intention not to challenge the authorities, Admiral Prakash addressed practical issues, questioning the need for further information after multiple visits by Booth Level Officers to his home. He suggested that if the forms were found lacking, a redesign might be necessary. Additionally, he raised concerns about the inconvenience for seniors, noting that he is 82 and his wife is 78, and both are required to travel nearly 18 kilometers to an election office separately.
The situation has gained attention among veterans. Recently, a similar notice was reportedly sent to Kargil war veteran and South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes. Many retired officers express that while SIR is legitimate, its execution should be considerate, especially towards senior citizens and former service members.
Veterans emphasize that existing documents like Pension Payment Orders, service records, and veteran ID cards, which are already part of government records, should suffice for identity verification. Some have criticized the incident as highlighting issues in data integration and digital record-keeping rather than individual failures.
The Election Commission has clarified that SIR aims to update electoral rolls, eliminate duplicates, and maintain accuracy without targeting individuals. However, the situation involving a former Navy Chief being asked to confirm his identity has prompted broader discussions about making the verification process more efficient and respectful for veterans who dedicated years to public service.
The ongoing procedure has intensified calls for establishing clearer guidelines and special accommodations for elderly citizens and former military personnel, ensuring that routine administrative tasks do not cause unnecessary distress.
