Following a successful voter verification exercise, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Monday announced the launch of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive across 12 states and Union Territories.
The electoral rolls of these regions will remain frozen tonight, marking a key step in the Election Commission’s ongoing effort to maintain accurate and transparent voter records.
Addressing the media, the CEC commended both polling officials and voters for ensuring the success of the verification process in Bihar. He outlined the objectives and methods behind the periodic ‘purification drive’, explaining that such revisions are vital for maintaining the credibility of the electoral rolls.
Kumar noted that the SIR took place eight times between 1951 and 2004, with the last in 2004 since India’s Independence.
He emphasised that political parties have consistently urged the Election Commission to conduct such checks to ensure only genuine electors remain on the rolls.
Highlighting the importance of the exercise, the CEC said the revision process is necessary to eliminate duplicate entries, remove names of deceased voters, and update records of those who have permanently relocated from the concerned states.
Procedure and Implementation Plan
Explaining the procedure, Kumar said arrangements were underway to print enumeration forms for the 12 states undertaking the SIR and to lock their voter lists by Monday night.
Hinting at a nationwide rollout, he said the process began in Bihar and will gradually extend to other states.
Each polling station, he explained, typically represents about 1,000 voters, with 300–400 polling stations in an Assembly constituency overseen by one Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
Under the ERO’s supervision, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) carry out voter verification and assist in maintaining accurate electoral rolls.
Detailing the steps, the CEC further said BLOs will distribute enumeration forms, allowing voters to verify their information through digital linkage with existing records.
“If there has been no change since 2003, no linking with old EPIC cards needs to be done, but those who don’t have names linked to prior records will need to submit any of the documents as sought by the poll panel,” Kumar clarified, adding that BLOs will visit each household three times to ensure thorough coverage.
EROs and Deputy EROs will publish the draft and final voter lists and ensure the electoral rolls are error-free.
Appealing to political parties for cooperation, the CEC urged the six national parties to appoint their respective BLOs.
He added that Chief Electoral Officers, District Electoral Officers, and EROs will engage in detailed discussions with party representatives to explain the voter roll ‘purification’ process.
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