SIR 2.0 to begin in 12 States, U.T.s, cover 51 crore voters, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission launched the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 of voter lists in 12 States and Union Territories [including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry] on Monday.
• This revision will cover approximately 51 crore voters.
• Voter lists in these States and UTs were frozen from Monday midnight.
• House-to-house enumeration will be conducted from November 4 to December 4, and final electoral rolls will be published on February 7.
• The first phase of SIR 2.0 was conducted in Bihar, resulting in the deletion of over 68 lakh names from the electoral rolls.

Detailed Insights:

• The SIR exercise aims to standardize addresses and correct discrepancies in voter lists, with most States having conducted their last SIR between 2002 and 2004.
• Assam is excluded from this phase of SIR 2.0 due to ongoing citizenship verification under the supervision of the Supreme Court, with a separate order to be issued later.
• Concerns have been raised by the ruling parties in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu regarding the SIR exercise.
• Draft rolls will be published on December 9, with claims and objections accepted from December 9 to January 8.
• Fresh voter IDs will only be issued to those with changes in their particulars.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Electoral Roll: List of persons eligible to vote in an election.
• Booth-level Officer: A government official responsible for voter registration and verification at the polling booth level.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): An intensive review and update of voter lists to ensure accuracy and inclusivity.