EC modifies some SIR rules based on learnings from Bihar, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission (EC) has modified certain Special Intensive Revision (SIR) rules based on learnings from Bihar.
• No documents will be collected from electors during the enumeration phase of the SIR in 12 States and Union Territories.
• Booth-level officers (BLO) will identify probable causes for non-returned enumeration forms, such as death or duplication.
• Aadhaar has been added as the 12th document for proof of identity, not citizenship, as directed by the Supreme Court.

Detailed Insights:

• The modifications to the SIR process were prompted by the recent experience in Bihar, where most people could be traced to previous electoral rolls.
• Draft electoral rolls will only include names of those who submitted enumeration forms; lists of excluded electors will be displayed publicly.
• The enumeration form and declaration form now include details on the presence of the elector's and their parents'/guardians' names in previous SIR electoral rolls.
• Voter rolls of all States will be available for mapping voters' names and their parents or guardians, unlike the process followed in Bihar.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A focused effort by the Election Commission to update and refine electoral rolls.
• Booth-Level Officer (BLO): A grassroot-level election official responsible for voter registration and verification at the polling booth level.
• Enumeration: The process of systematically listing or counting members of a population, in this case, eligible voters.