The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to be completed by the end of 2025. The initiative aims to update and verify voter data ahead of key assembly elections in 2026, ensuring accuracy and preventing the inclusion of ineligible or illegal entries.
Following the successful rollout in Bihar, the Commission has directed all state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to use the last available SIR rolls—mostly from 2002 to 2004—as reference points. In states like Delhi and Uttarakhand, voter lists from 2008 and 2006 have already been uploaded. Bihar is using its 2003 roll, exempting 60% of voters from resubmitting documents.
The verification process will include house-to-house visits by polling officials. Voters not covered under previous SIRs must submit one of 12 approved documents to confirm their date and place of birth. A new declaration form has been introduced for those born before July 1, 1987 or between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004. The latter group must also provide parental birth documentation.
Opposition parties have raised concerns over potential disenfranchisement, particularly in Bihar. In response, the Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to ensure that no eligible citizen is excluded from the rolls.
The revision is strategically timed ahead of assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The Commission is also working to rationalize polling stations, ensuring no station has more than 1,200 electors.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and senior officials have held multiple meetings with state CEOs to review progress and share best practices. The initiative is expected to strengthen voter data integrity and reinforce public trust in the electoral process.
