Election Commission Press Conference Announces Phase Two Special Revision Intensive of Electoral Rolls for 12 States
The Election Commission press conference announced today the second phase in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral lists. The initiative, which will be implemented nationwide, covers 12 states, Union Territories also. Its goal is to improve voter list accuracy and quality in advance of elections scheduled as early as 2026. Assam is exempted.
Gyanesh Kumna, the chief election commissioner of the Election Commission in New Delhi, detailed the scope and nature of the forthcoming exercise. He said, “SIRs will take place in Andaman & Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, MP, Puducherry, TN UP West Bengal, TN, and West Bengal.” The move is a response to the concerns expressed by different political parties about the quality of the voting rolls. The concerns raised by Mr Kumar were acknowledged, stating that “political parties had brought up the issue of the quality of the electoral roll on multiple occasions.” In order to ensure an accurate and smooth process, electoral rolls will be frozen in the 12 affected states at midnight.
After the freezing, an extensive enumeration will be conducted. Later, Mr Kumar said, “Voters will receive unique forms with full details.” The training for polling officers in Phase II SIR will begin on Tuesday to support this massive effort. The Chief Elections Commissioner shared a report from another state to highlight the previous success. Gyanesh Kumar said that the first phase of SIR was completed in Bihar without any appeals, which is a testament to the success of the process.
In relation to Assam, the press conference of the Election Commission clarified that an announcement will be made separately for the revisions of the electoral rolls. Assam officials have informed the Commission that they prefer to carry out an extensive revision after publishing the final National Register of Citizens for their state. Assam is the sole state that has undertaken to prepare an NRC. The decision is made in respect of Assam’s unique administrative environment.
The Election Commission of India, an independent constitutional authority, is responsible for the administration of elections in India on a national and state level. It was established in 1950 with the mission of ensuring free, fair and participatory elections. It is the Commission’s responsibility to prepare and update electoral rolls on a regular basis and register all eligible voters.
