New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and transparency in voter lists ahead of several upcoming state elections.
After the successful completion of the SIR exercise in Bihar, where the commission reported “zero appeals” following verification, the second phase will now extend to 12 states and Union Territories — Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The objective is to eliminate ineligible entries and ensure all eligible citizens are duly registered.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sindhu and Vivek Joshi, detailed the initiative during a press briefing, calling the revision a crucial step to strengthen the electoral database.
Why the Exercise Was Needed
The Commission noted that the last nationwide Special Intensive Revision was conducted over two decades ago, between 2002 and 2004. Since then, large-scale migration, multiple registrations, non-removal of deceased voters, and even wrongful inclusion of foreign nationals have highlighted the need for an updated, verifiable voter roll.
How the Process Works
Under the SIR, each polling station — with around 1,000 registered electors — will be managed by a Booth Level Officer (BLO). Multiple polling stations together form an Assembly Constituency overseen by an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), usually a Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).
The ERO will be responsible for:
- Preparing draft electoral rolls
- Receiving and deciding on claims and objections
- Publishing final rolls
Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) will support the process at the tehsil level. District Magistrates will handle first appeals, while Chief Electoral Officers of states will hear second appeals.
The ECI confirmed that the voter list in participating states will be “frozen” at midnight tonight. Booth Level Officers will distribute Unique Enumeration Forms (EFs) to voters, allowing them to verify their information, link family details from previous SIRs, and make corrections if necessary.
Ensuring Accuracy and Fairness
The Commission said the exercise is part of routine pre-election preparation to ensure no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible entry remains. “The integrity of the voter list forms the foundation of free and fair elections,” an ECI official stated.
Bihar Model and Upcoming Elections
Bihar recently concluded its own Special Intensive Revision as part of preparations for its two-phase Assembly elections scheduled on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14. While opposition parties had alleged attempts to manipulate voter rolls, the ECI clarified that the SIR is a standard administrative process conducted to strengthen electoral integrity.
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