The Election Commission of India announced the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 16 states and three Union Territories as part of Phase 3 of the nationwide voter list update exercise. However, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been kept out of this phase for now.
Officials said the schedule has been aligned with ongoing house listing work under the national Census so that field staff can be used efficiently for both major exercises. The aim is to avoid duplication of work and improve accuracy in voter data collection.
In this phase, more than 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers will go door-to-door to verify details of around 36.73 crore electors across the covered regions. The process will include collecting and checking Enumeration Forms from voters to ensure updated and accurate electoral rolls.Delhi is also included in this phase, and the final updated voter list for the national capital is scheduled to be published on October 7.
Why is the SIR being conducted across states?
The Election Commission said the Special Intensive Revision is being carried out to ensure that only eligible citizens are included in the voter list. It also aims to remove ineligible or duplicate names from the electoral rolls and improve the overall accuracy of voter data ahead of future elections.
Why have some regions been excluded from this phase?
According to the poll body, the schedule for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh will be announced later. The delay is due to the completion of Phase-II of the Census and difficult weather conditions in high-altitude and snow-bound areas, which make fieldwork challenging.
How will the verification process work on the ground?
Booth Level Officers will visit households, verify voter details, and collect updated information directly from citizens. Gyanesh Kumar appealed to all voters to actively participate in the exercise and submit their forms on time.
