New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has approved the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to create comprehensive and transparent voter lists across the country. The exercise will be carried out in nine states and three union territories. The ECI said the first phase in Bihar was successful, but the process has drawn objections from several political parties.
What is SIR?
The Special Intensive Revision is a focused, time-bound door-to-door verification drive conducted to ensure accuracy and completeness of electoral rolls. Unlike routine annual revisions, SIR involves in-depth verification, removal of ineligible voters such as deceased individuals or those who have relocated, and registration of new voters who have turned 18. It also identifies voters registered at multiple locations and removes duplicates, enhancing transparency in the electoral process.
BLOs and Verification Process
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) play a crucial role in SIR, visiting each household at least three times to verify voter details. Existing voters confirm their information, while new voters fill Form 6 for registration. Any corrections or deletions require specific forms. Citizens not listed in draft voter rolls must submit proof of age and citizenship. After objections and claims are addressed, the final electoral roll is published. The last nationwide intensive revision was carried out between 2002 and 2004.
Political Concerns and ECI Response
Some opposition parties have expressed concerns, alleging that SIR could be misused to target minorities, Dalits, backward classes, migrants, women, and the poor. Following Bihar’s first phase, thousands of names were reportedly removed from draft lists, sparking fears of voter disenfranchisement. The ECI, however, rejected these allegations, stating the process is essential to eliminate fake and ineligible voters. The Commission has refined procedures for the second phase to allow better verification, linking voter information with relatives’ details from previous SIR lists. Under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21(2)(a) of the Representation of the People Act, such in-depth revisions are legally mandated to maintain the integrity of electoral rolls.