The Election Commission is set to hold an important press conference this evening, Monday, where the formal announcement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls across the country will be made.
New Delhi: In a move to further strengthen India's democracy, the Election Commission of India is set to take a significant step today, Monday. This evening, the Commission may announce the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls nationwide. This initiative includes improving the voter list, adding names of new voters, and rectifying old errors.
According to sources, the first phase of this campaign will be conducted in 10 to 15 states, primarily including those where assembly elections are scheduled for 2026. These may include states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
What is SIR (Special Intensive Revision)?
SIR, or Special Intensive Revision, is a process of the Election Commission under which the Electoral Roll is thoroughly reviewed. Its objective is to ensure that there are no errors, duplicate names, or discrepancies in the records of old voters in the list. This process involves three main stages:
- Inclusion of new voters – Citizens who have completed 18 years of age will be added to the electoral roll.
- Correction of old and incorrect entries – Names of deceased voters or shifted citizens will be removed.
- Error rectification and confirmation – Door-to-door verification and digital checks will be conducted to ensure the accuracy of the list.
The Election Commission has clarified that the SIR process will be completely transparent, impartial, and technologically robust.
10 to 15 States to be Included in the First Phase
According to officials, 10 to 15 states will be included in the first phase. States where assembly elections are scheduled for the next year will be given priority. This list may potentially include states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. In these states, the process of door-to-door verification of electoral rolls, Form 6 (for adding new names), and Form 7 (for removing names) will be implemented through both digital and offline modes.
In a vast democracy like India, the accuracy and transparency of the electoral roll are the most crucial foundations for the credibility of elections. This step by the Election Commission is considered significant because several major elections are due in the country in the coming years — the 2026 assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Through SIR, the Commission aims to ensure that every eligible citizen gets the right to vote and that no technical or administrative error affects the democratic process.
Election Commission's Preparations
The Election Commission stated that special teams will be deployed in rural and remote areas during the SIR. The work of these teams will be —
- Confirming voter information by visiting each household.
- Facilitating the filling of registration forms for new voters.
- Correcting errors in Voter ID cards.
For this purpose, the Commission will also utilize digital platforms such as the Voter Helpline App and the nvsp.in website, enabling people to check their name status and make necessary corrections from home.
Special Initiative in West Bengal – Appointment of Volunteers
During the potential revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal, the Commission is set to undertake a new initiative. According to a senior official, the Commission is considering appointing volunteers to assist Booth-Level Officers (BLOs). These volunteers will be selected from government employees, teachers, and clerks and will be deployed at polling stations with more than 1200 voters. Their primary tasks will be —
- Assisting voters in filling out forms.
- Helping with the verification of necessary documents.
- Acting as an alternative support in the absence of the BLO.
The state currently has approximately 80,000 polling booths, which could be increased to up to 94,000. This means about 14,000 new booths may be added. For this, Block Development Officers (BDOs) at the district level have been instructed to send the list of volunteers, including their contact numbers, to the Election Commission by October 29.
