Election Commission Extends Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Schedule Across Nine States and Three UTs
Election Commission extends Special Intensive Revision (SIR) schedule by a week to enhance transparency and accuracy in electoral rolls across nine states and three Union territories.
Introduction: Ensuring Every Vote Counts
In a move aimed at strengthening democratic participation and electoral accuracy, the Election Commission (EC) of India has revised the schedule for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The revision, which affects nine states and three Union territories, extends the process by one week, reflecting the EC’s commitment to meticulous voter verification and enhanced transparency.
Context & Background: The Significance of SIR
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive exercise undertaken periodically to ensure that every eligible citizen is accurately listed on electoral rolls, while ineligible or duplicate entries are removed. SIR was first conducted between 1951 and 2004, with the last round occurring in 2002-2004.
Following a successful Phase-I in Bihar from June 24 to September 30, Phase-II began on October 27, 2025, covering nine states—Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—and three Union territories: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. Collectively, this phase encompasses 321 districts and 1,843 Assembly Constituencies, touching the lives of nearly 51 crore electors.
The objective is clear: ensure comprehensive voter inclusion, eliminate ineligible entries, and introduce full transparency in additions and deletions of electors.
Main Developments: Revised Schedule and Operational Details
The Election Commission announced several key changes to the SIR schedule:
- Enumeration Form Distribution: Extended to December 11 from the previous deadline of December 4.
- Draft Electoral Rolls Publication: Rescheduled for December 16, replacing the earlier date of December 9.
- Final Voter List: Now expected on February 14, 2026, instead of February 7.
EC officials cited the extension as necessary for booth-level officials to collaborate with party agents in sharing details of deceased, duplicate, and relocated electors, ensuring greater transparency in the process.
Over 5.3 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs), 7.64 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), 10,448 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs/AEROs), and 321 District Election Officers (DEOs) have been mobilized to facilitate a smooth, voter-friendly SIR process. BLOs are conducting multiple house-to-house visits to distribute and collect partially pre-filled enumeration forms and assist electors in completing them.
The EC also emphasized the role of technology in verification, allowing citizens to check their names and their relatives’ entries in previous SIR electoral rolls via https://voters.eci.gov.in.
Expert Insight & Public Reaction
While the EC maintains that the revision is proceeding smoothly, opposition parties have raised concerns over the toll on BLOs. Reports suggest that at least 40 BLOs may have died—primarily by suicide—due to stress linked to tight deadlines. However, the Election Commission has dismissed these allegations, emphasizing that the overall exercise remains on track.
Political analysts note that the SIR exercise, particularly before elections in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Puducherry in 2026, is crucial to ensuring electoral integrity. “The EC’s decision to extend deadlines shows a commitment to accuracy over speed. This is a complex logistical operation that touches millions of lives,” said Dr. R. K. Sharma, an electoral affairs expert.
Impact & Implications: What This Means for Voters
The extended SIR schedule has several immediate implications:
- Enhanced Accuracy: The revision provides additional time for correcting errors, removing deceased or duplicate voters, and updating entries for citizens who have shifted residence.
- Transparency and Trust: By involving party agents in the verification process, the EC aims to boost confidence in electoral rolls ahead of critical state elections.
- Voter Empowerment: Citizens now have more time to verify and correct their details, ensuring they can exercise their franchise without obstacles.
The special focus on Assam remains separate due to the Supreme Court-supervised citizenship verification exercise and provisions under the Citizenship Act, highlighting the nuanced approach the EC is taking across different regions.
Conclusion: Strengthening Democracy, One Voter at a Time
The extended SIR schedule underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and accurate electoral process. By prioritizing meticulous verification over rigid timelines, the EC seeks to ensure that every eligible voter has a voice while maintaining the credibility of India’s democratic framework. As the final voter list emerges in February 2026, stakeholders—from political parties to citizens—will closely monitor its accuracy, reinforcing the foundational principle that in a democracy, every vote truly matters.
Disclaimer:This article is based on publicly available information and official Election Commission announcements.