File photo: Ex-Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retired) NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Monday clarified that a combination of a “system-driven procedure” and “incomplete details” in former Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash’s (retired) previous enumeration form led to the notice issued to him during Goa’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls drive.The notice to the 81-year-old Vir Chakra awardee and a 1971 war hero had sparked a social media outcry, with veterans and citizens questioning why such a decorated officer was required to “prove” his identity, and that too in person. West Bengal SIR Brings Home A Man Presumed Dead For 28 Years In UP’s Muzaffarnagar Officials confirmed that the form has now been duly completed, and Admiral Prakash is no longer required to appear.In a clarification, Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Dr. Medora Ermomilla D’Costa said the Booth Level Officer (BLO) for the Cortalim constituency collected the naval veteran’s form but found it lacked mandatory particulars from previous revisions.The ERO explained, “It was observed that Admiral Prakash’s enumeration form did not contain the mandatory particulars relating to the previous SIR, including the name of the elector, EPIC number, name of the relative, name and number of the assembly constituency, part number, and serial number in the electoral roll.”D’Costa added that in the absence of these details, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) application could not establish an automatic linkage with the existing electoral roll database. “As all the fields pertaining to the previous SIR were left blank, the system categorised the enumeration form under the ‘unmapped’ category,” the clarification mentioned.The official further noted: “As per the standard, system-driven procedure, a hearing notice was automatically generated and issued to enable verification of the elector’s details and ensure due opportunity for confirmation of eligibility.”Admiral Prakash, who has lived in Goa since his 2006 retirement, highlighted on social media the challenges faced by elderly citizens: “I neither need, nor have ever asked for any special privileges… but if the SIR forms are not evoking required info, they should be revised.” He also pointed out that the BLO had visited his home three times and could have requested the missing documents then.(With PTI inputs)About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos’Real Friends Always…’: Trump’s New Envoy Sergio Gor Pledges To Reset India-US TiesNot Trade Or Defence: Why Four-Year Old Baby Ariha Shah Became Key Topic In Modi–Germany TalksAAP’s Raghav Chadha Turns Blinkit Delivery Agent for a Day Amid Gig Workers’ Row’Will Come to Mumbai, Try Cutting My Legs: Annamalai Hits Back at Raj ThackerayIndia Tests Indigenous Fire And Forget Anti-Tank Missile With Top Attack Strike On Moving TargetsShaksgam Valley Row Deepens As China Rejects India’s Claim And Defends CPEC Infra Project With PakIndia To Join Pax Silica As US Signals New Tech Trust Despite Trade Tensions And Tariff DisputesGerman Chancellor Merz Hails India-Germany Ties, Pushes For ‘Economically Meaningful’ India-EU FTA‘This Is Not India’: Protesters Disrupt Sikh Nagar Kirtan Again In New Zealand With Haka DisplayPM Modi, German Chancellor Merz Sign Key Deals As India Germany Push Indo-Pacific Strategy123PhotostoriesFrom mindful portions to intermittent fasting: When Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s Munmun Dutta gave a peek into her disciplined diet and daily routineTimothée Chalamet to Jacob Elordi: The Men of the 2026 Golden Globes who delivered a masterclass in modern tailoringThalapathy Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ delayed: 8 must-watch OTT hits to streamTamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: Alliances, numbers and the battle for 234 seats5 jungle survival tips Bear Grylls swears by, and how they apply beyond the wildChef Sanjeev Kapoor shares 5 crunchy snack recipes to enjoy with chai during winter `Best horror dramas on Apple TV: ‘The Enfield Poltergeist’, ‘Servant’ and moreFrom Zubeen Garg death to ‘vote chori’: Key political issues in 2026 Assam Assembly polls10 poorest countries in the worldCelebrating Amrish Puri’s most iconic villainous roles on his 21st death anniversary123Hot PicksISRO PSLV-C62 missionTrump tariffsGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingStephen Curry BrotherLebron JamesMatthew and Brady Tkachuks Combined Net WorthVanessa BryantBengaluru Girl RapeConnor McDavidISRO LaunchGeorge Valera Net WorthNandani SharmaDarius Slay
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) on Monday clarified that a combination of a “system-driven procedure” and “incomplete details” in former Navy chief Admiral Arun Prakash’s (retired) previous enumeration form led to the notice issued to him during Goa’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls drive.The notice to the 81-year-old Vir Chakra awardee and a 1971 war hero had sparked a social media outcry, with veterans and citizens questioning why such a decorated officer was required to “prove” his identity, and that too in person.
Officials confirmed that the form has now been duly completed, and Admiral Prakash is no longer required to appear.In a clarification, Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Dr. Medora Ermomilla D’Costa said the Booth Level Officer (BLO) for the Cortalim constituency collected the naval veteran’s form but found it lacked mandatory particulars from previous revisions.The ERO explained, “It was observed that Admiral Prakash’s enumeration form did not contain the mandatory particulars relating to the previous SIR, including the name of the elector, EPIC number, name of the relative, name and number of the assembly constituency, part number, and serial number in the electoral roll.”D’Costa added that in the absence of these details, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) application could not establish an automatic linkage with the existing electoral roll database. “As all the fields pertaining to the previous SIR were left blank, the system categorised the enumeration form under the ‘unmapped’ category,” the clarification mentioned.The official further noted: “As per the standard, system-driven procedure, a hearing notice was automatically generated and issued to enable verification of the elector’s details and ensure due opportunity for confirmation of eligibility.”Admiral Prakash, who has lived in Goa since his 2006 retirement, highlighted on social media the challenges faced by elderly citizens: “I neither need, nor have ever asked for any special privileges… but if the SIR forms are not evoking required info, they should be revised.” He also pointed out that the BLO had visited his home three times and could have requested the missing documents then.(With PTI inputs)
![Zoji La [Ladakh] SRINAGAR: Zoji La tunnel, an upcoming strategic corridor that will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is nearing a defining moment, with engineers inching towards a “breakthrough” final blast expected around May 30.Work is progressing at about four meters per day from both ends — Sonamarg (Baltal) in Kashmir and Minamarg in Ladakh — using controlled drilling and blasting. Only 300 meters of the 13.155km tunnel is left to excavate, Harpal Singh, chief operating officer (COO) of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), told TOI. The Hyderabad-based company is executing the project.“The final blast will bring the excavation phase to a close, completing the tunnel’s core structure,” Singh said, adding the blast will signal the physical connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.According to Singh, this historic milestone will be achieved by reducing tunnel excavation to zero within 30 to 35 days. “Breakthrough will ensure speedy construction of the remaining works, including concrete lining, permanent tunnel drainage, installation of surveillance equipment, control buildings, underground transformers and (traffic) smoke control systems,” Singh explained.The tunnel is still another two-and-a-half years from completion. Before it is opened to the public, the breakthrough will allow construction teams and machines to move seamlessly between two ends, streamlining work. “The teams and equipment can move through the tunnel without any hassle,” Singh said, adding this will help sustain construction through winters when heavy snowfall in Sonamarg halts surface movement.The tunnel will reduce distance between the two ends (Sonamarg and Minamarg) from 49km to 43km and increase vehicle speeds from 30kmph to 70kmph, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? 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Only 300 meters of the 13.155km tunnel is left to excavate, Harpal Singh, chief operating officer (COO) of Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL), told TOI. The Hyderabad-based company is executing the project.“The final blast will bring the excavation phase to a close, completing the tunnel’s core structure,” Singh said, adding the blast will signal the physical connection between Kashmir and Ladakh.According to Singh, this historic milestone will be achieved by reducing tunnel excavation to zero within 30 to 35 days. “Breakthrough will ensure speedy construction of the remaining works, including concrete lining, permanent tunnel drainage, installation of surveillance equipment, control buildings, underground transformers and (traffic) smoke control systems,” Singh explained.The tunnel is still another two-and-a-half years from completion. Before it is opened to the public, the breakthrough will allow construction teams and machines to move seamlessly between two ends, streamlining work. “The teams and equipment can move through the tunnel without any hassle,” Singh said, adding this will help sustain construction through winters when heavy snowfall in Sonamarg halts surface movement.The tunnel will reduce distance between the two ends (Sonamarg and Minamarg) from 49km to 43km and increase vehicle speeds from 30kmph to 70kmph, officials said.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSamrat Chaudhary Becomes Bihar CM: A Political Journey Marked by Setbacks and ReinventionIran Expresses Confidence In India’s BRICS Presidency Amid West Asia ConflictPM Modi, Donald Trump Hold 40-Min Phone Call, Discuss Strait Of Hormuz, West Asia SituationPak Enters Noida? Stunning Twist To Wage War As Workers Riot In NCR; Yogi Minister Drops BombshellFuel Price Freeze Amid Hormuz Crisis Is Costing Oil Companies Thousands of Crores DailyChina Defends Renaming Places In Arunachal After India Slams Beijing’s ‘Mischievous Attempt’Bihar DY CM Puzzle for JDU, Nishant Kumar Reluctance Complicates NDA MathNitish Kumar Resigns After 20 Years as Bihar CM; BJP Names Samrat Choudhary as SuccessorWomen’s Reservation Bill Explained: How 850-Seat Lok Sabha Plan Promises To Change Indian PoliticsExplained: Supreme Court Backs Right to Vote but Denies Relief to Bengal’s Deleted Voters123PhotostoriesWhy this new rice variety is called ‘Designer Rice’ and how it will impact your protein intake10 free things to do in Noida that are actually worth your timeHow to make Chef Sanjeev Kapoor-style Langarwali Dal6 essential real estate investment strategies for first-time buyers9 unique food etiquette rules from around the worldTop 5 IT hubs in India driving real estate demandArgue without breaking up: 5 simple rules every couple needs to know‘Bhooth Bangla’, ‘Dacoit’ To ‘The Drama’: What to watch in theatres this Week5 things you can bake beyond bread in an OTGIsrael–Lebanon tensions flare again: Inside Hezbollah’s arsenal and Lebanon’s military hand against Israel123Hot PicksIran warStock market holidayPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingDelhi-Dehradun ExpresswayStock market holidayBank holiday todayKaty PerryAnna Kepner murderDon TzuPraful HingeIPL Points TableKavya MaranNFL news roundup")