Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has renewed debate over voter-list verification, particularly when compared with the procedures followed during the 2002–04 revision. The discussion centres on voter inclusion, verification standards, supervision and the safeguards available against wrongful deletion.
Overview of the Special Intensive Revision
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to comprehensively update electoral rolls. Under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the ECI can order a special revision of electoral rolls.
The exercise seeks to identify deceased voters, duplicate entries, shifted electors and eligible persons whose names may have been omitted. The nationwide SIR began in June 2025, starting with Bihar.
SIR Process During 2002–04
The earlier revision involved extensive household verification and multiple layers of supervision.
Door-to-Door Enumeration
Enumerators visited households using preliminary electoral rolls. Panchayat representatives could also assist voluntarily.
Multi-Level Supervision
Supervisors were required to randomly verify at least 25% of households. Additional verification was prescribed for locked houses. AEROs, EROs and District Election Officers also had specified verification responsibilities.
Treatment of Shifted Electors
Electors who had moved were generally treated as transfers rather than immediate deletions. Their entries were marked with an “S”, while details of their new residence were recorded for further action.
Citizenship Verification and Objections
The earlier guidelines placed responsibility for proving citizenship on applicants seeking first-time inclusion while also recognising existing electoral-roll entries as relevant evidence. Claims and objections were required to be considered before finalising the rolls.
Key Concerns Regarding the 2025–26 SIR
Several concerns have emerged regarding the present exercise:
- Possible exclusion: Voters unavailable during enumeration or unable to submit forms could be omitted from draft rolls.
- Reduced verification: Supervisor-level random verification in Bihar was reduced to 10%.
- Documentation burden: Some voters may have to establish eligibility using older electoral-roll records or citizenship documents.
- Automated discrepancies: Software-generated flags could require additional verification before exclusion.
- Bulk objections: Large numbers of Form 7 objections have raised concerns about potential misuse.
Scale and Implications of Voter Deletions
The current SIR has involved deletion of approximately 13.3 crore voter entries across three phases. A significant proportion falls under categories such as absent, shifted or other reasons, with eligible individuals potentially able to seek re-enrolment.
Reform Priorities for Electoral Roll Integrity
Greater transparency can be promoted through detailed audits, door-to-door verification, stronger field supervision, faster re-enrolment and timely disposal of claims and objections.
Maintaining electoral-roll continuity while following due process is essential to ensure that the objective of cleaning electoral rolls does not inadvertently result in the exclusion of eligible voters.
FAQs on Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
SIR is an exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to comprehensively update electoral rolls by identifying deceased, duplicate, shifted and eligible omitted voters.
Under which law can the ECI order a Special Intensive Revision?
The ECI can order a special revision of electoral rolls under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
How did the 2002–04 SIR differ from the current SIR?
The 2002–04 revision involved extensive door-to-door verification and multiple levels of supervision, including random verification of at least 25% of households by supervisors.
What are the major concerns regarding the 2025–26 SIR?
Key concerns include possible exclusion of voters, reduced field verification, documentation burdens, software-generated discrepancies and potential misuse of bulk objections.
Why are claims and objections important during electoral-roll revision?
Claims and objections provide an opportunity to correct errors and protect eligible voters from wrongful exclusion before electoral rolls are finalised.
