EC appoints roll observers to monitor SIR in eight States, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission (EC) has appointed Special Roll Observers (SROs) in eight states to monitor the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.
• Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) have been directed to share lists of Absent, Shifted/Dead and Duplicate (ASD) voters with booth-level agents of political parties before draft roll publication.
• Nearly five lakh Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) are engaging with over 12 lakh Booth-Level Agents (BLAs) to provide ASD lists.
• Draft lists for 12 States and Union Territories are scheduled for publication between December 16 and 31.

Detailed Insights:

• The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to ensure error-free draft electoral rolls, enhancing the integrity of the electoral process.
• Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) verify voter status through multiple visits, marking voters as "absent, shifted, or dead/duplicate" to refine the ASD list.
• The ASD list will be accessible on District Election Officer/District Magistrate websites and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) website in an EPIC-searchable mode.
• Special Roll Observers (SROs) will be present in eight states two days a week until the final electoral rolls are published in February 2026, engaging with political parties and election officials.
• The eight states with SROs are West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, chosen for their large voter base.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): An initiative by the Election Commission to revise and update voter lists, ensuring accuracy and inclusivity.
• Booth-Level Officer (BLO): A local official responsible for verifying voter information and facilitating voter registration at the booth level.
• Electoral Roll: An official list of individuals eligible to vote in a particular constituency or election.