By | Gitanjali Thorat | PR Desk
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is preparing to launch a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 10–15 states and union territories, a move aimed at improving the accuracy of voter lists before upcoming elections.
The revision, expected to be announced soon, will enable citizens to register new voters, correct existing entries, and file objections—a critical step to ensure clean and updated rolls for 2025’s electoral calendar.
W͟h͟a͟t͟ i͟s͟ t͟h͟e͟ S͟p͟e͟c͟i͟a͟l͟ I͟n͟t͟e͟n͟s͟i͟v͟e͟ R͟e͟v͟i͟s͟i͟o͟n͟ (S͟I͟R͟)?
The Special Intensive Revision is a large-scale voter list verification exercise conducted under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Unlike the routine annual summary revision, the SIR involves door-to-door verification, data audits, and inclusion drives to identify missing or duplicate entries.
The objective is to create an error-free, transparent, and inclusive voter database, particularly in states heading toward major elections in the next year.
W͟h͟y͟ i͟s͟ t͟h͟e͟ E͟C͟I͟ l͟a͟u͟n͟c͟h͟i͟n͟g͟ t͟h͟i͟s͟ n͟o͟w͟?
The ECI routinely conducts voter list updates, but this nationwide SIR comes at a politically sensitive time. Several opposition parties have alleged irregularities and inflated voter rolls in certain states.
By launching an intensive revision, the Commission aims to restore confidence in the electoral process, remove outdated data, and ensure that no eligible voter is left out. Officials have indicated that the SIR will focus on states where rapid demographic changes or administrative lapses have been reported in past electoral rolls.
W͟h͟e͟n͟ w͟i͟l͟l͟ t͟h͟e͟ p͟r͟o͟c͟e͟s͟s͟ b͟e͟g͟i͟n͟?
According to media reports, the first phase of the SIR is expected to roll out on 27 October, beginning with around 10 to 15 states and union territories.
The official notification and detailed schedule are likely to be issued soon after internal consultations with Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the respective states. Each state will then release its own timeline for:
•Draft publication of electoral rolls
•Period for filing claims and objections
•Final publication of updated rolls
P͟o͟l͟i͟t͟i͟c͟a͟l͟ R͟e͟a͟c͟t͟i͟o͟n͟s͟ a͟n͟d͟ B͟a͟c͟k͟g͟r͟o͟u͟n͟d͟ T͟e͟n͟s͟i͟o͟n͟
The announcement comes amid growing political debate over the reliability of voter databases. Opposition parties in multiple states have accused the ECI of inadequate verification and bias in deletions or inclusions of names.
While the Commission insists the process will be transparent and technology-driven, political observers see the move as both an administrative necessity and a pre-emptive response to mounting criticism ahead of several key state and national elections.
W͟h͟y͟ I͟t͟ M͟a͟t͟t͟e͟r͟s͟?
Voter rolls form the foundation of India’s democratic machinery. A single erroneous entry—or the absence of a legitimate voter—can tilt margins in closely contested constituencies. Through the Special Intensive Revision, the ECI seeks to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process, reassure political stakeholders, and prepare a verified, inclusive voter list for the next round of polls.
