SIR in remaining states, UTs soon, says CEC, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission (EC) will soon begin the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in remaining states and Union Territories.
• The SIR was first conducted in Bihar in 2025 and is currently ongoing in 12 states/UTs.
• The EC initiated the SIR nationwide on June 24, 2025, starting with Bihar due to upcoming Assembly elections.
• Draft rolls for the 12 states/UTs were published in December 2025 and January 2026, with final rolls expected in February and March 2026.
• A new youth-centric program will be launched in 2026 to educate young citizens about electoral processes.

Detailed Insights:

• The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to create pure electoral rolls, considered the bedrock of democracy.
• Unlike the special summary revision involving additions and deletions, the intensive revision prepares the rolls afresh, occurring after approximately 20 years.
• The ongoing SIR covers Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Goa, and Chhattisgarh.
• The EC announced the schedule for SIR in nine states and three UTs on October 27, 2025.
• The youth-centric program in 2026 aims to increase awareness and participation of young citizens in the electoral process.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Electoral Roll: A list of persons eligible to vote in an election.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A comprehensive review and fresh preparation of electoral rolls.
• Election Commission (EC): Constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India.