SIR of electoral rolls begins in 12 States, U.T.s today, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission is set to begin the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 States and Union Territories on November 4, 2025.
• This SIR exercise will cover approximately 51 crore voters across states including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh.
• The enumeration process, involving house-to-house visits, will occur from November 4 to December 4, with draft rolls published on December 9.
• The final electoral rolls, incorporating revisions, are scheduled for publication on February 7.

Detailed Insights:

• The SIR 2.0 exercise incorporates changes based on experiences from a similar exercise in Bihar, including not collecting documents during enumeration.
• Pre-mapping involves matching current voters' lists with those from the last SIR conducted between 2002 and 2004 in most of these states.
• Aadhaar has been included as the 12th document for identity proof, but it is not considered proof of citizenship, following Supreme Court directives.
• The enumeration form now includes a column for a parent's or relative's signature, counter-signed by the Booth-Level Officer (BLO), in the voter's absence.
• Lists of electors not included in the draft rolls will be displayed at Panchayat Bhavans, urban local body offices, and block development officers' offices.
• Voter rolls of all states will be accessible for mapping voters' names, allowing voters to check their names in any state, not just their state of residence.
• Fresh voter registrations will be conducted simultaneously during the house-to-house enumeration exercise.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A comprehensive review and update of electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and inclusivity.
• Electoral Roll: An official list of individuals eligible to vote in a specific election or jurisdiction.
• Booth-Level Officer (BLO): A local official responsible for assisting in voter registration and verification at the polling booth level.