EC announces schedule for Phase 3 of SIR in 16 states, 3 UTs; process begins on May 30, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission (EC) announced Phase 3 of the Special Summary Revision (SIR), starting May 30 in 16 states and 3 Union Territories.
• Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits, starting May 30 in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur.
• Over 3.94 lakh BLOs will assist 36.73 crore electors, supported by 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties.
• 5.58 crore electors, representing 9.55% of electoral rolls, have been deleted in Bihar, Rajasthan, and other states.

Detailed Insights:

• The SIR Phase-III schedule aligns with the ongoing House Listing of Census, covering the entire country except Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• The schedule for SIR in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh will be announced later, considering the completion of Census Phase-II and weather conditions.
• The final electoral rolls will be published between September 6 and December 23.
• The EC urges all political parties to appoint BLAs for each polling booth to ensure transparency and participation in the SIR process.
• The EC ordered the SIR of electoral rolls on June 24, 2025, starting with Bihar before the Assembly elections.
• Unlike the annual Special Summary Revision, the intensive revision involves fresh preparation of the electorate.
• The EC cited rapid urbanisation and migration as reasons for conducting the SIR, which had not been conducted since the early 2000s when electoral rolls were digitised.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Special Summary Revision (SIR): An intensive revision process involving fresh preparation of the electorate rolls.
• Booth Level Officer (BLO): An official responsible for house-to-house visits and assisting electors during the SIR.
• Booth Level Agent (BLA): Representatives appointed by political parties to ensure transparency and participation in the SIR process.