Over 5.22 Crore Enumeration Forms Collected In Bihar As SIR Gathers Pace

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported the collection of 5.22 crore enumeration forms in Bihar within 16 days of launching the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls on 24 June. This accounts for 66.16 per cent of the state’s total 7.89 crore electors, an ECI official confirmed on Thursday.

The poll panel expressed confidence that the form collection process could be completed ahead of the stipulated deadline of 25 July, if the current pace continues. The update comes on the same day the Supreme Court refused to stay the ongoing SIR exercise in the poll-bound state, despite multiple petitions challenging its validity.

The ECI stated that 7.90 crore forms had been printed, of which 7.71 crore forms — nearly 98 per cent — have already been distributed to electors listed as of 24 June. Voters still have 15 days remaining to submit their filled forms.

The form collection drive is being executed by 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), with help from over 4 lakh volunteers, who are assisting elderly, disabled, sick, and vulnerable voters. Additionally, 1.56 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by recognised political parties, are also aiding in the campaign.

The ECI’s statement noted: “By 6 p.m. today, 5,22,44,956 enumeration forms, which is 66.16 per cent of the total of 7,89,69,844 existing electors in Bihar, have been collected in the last 16 days.” The figure reflects strong on-ground mobilisation and voter engagement as part of the Special Intensive Revision.

Supreme Court seeks consideration of document flexibility

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court urged the ECI to consider whether documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards could be accepted for voter verification. A Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi said this should be considered “in the interest of justice” to ensure no eligible voter is excluded.

The court was hearing petitions claiming that the ECI’s 26 June directive on the SIR could “arbitrarily” disenfranchise lakhs of voters and impact free and fair elections. However, the Bench did not issue a stay and noted that draft revised rolls are due to be published in August. The matter will now be heard again on 28 July by a regular Bench.

The Special Intensive Revision in Bihar is one of the most ambitious voter verification drives undertaken ahead of elections. The ECI maintains that the campaign is rooted in transparency and inclusion, ensuring that no eligible citizen is denied the right to vote.

Also Read: Land Grab In The Name Of Religion Won’t Be Tolerated: Indresh Kumar