ECI orders time-bound preparations for SIR of electoral rolls in 23 states, UTs

‎The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated preparatory steps for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 23 states and Union Territories, underscoring its focus on ensuring accurate and updated voter lists ahead of key electoral activities in the coming years.

‎In a communication issued on Thursday, Commission directed thhe Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, NCT of Delhi, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, Tripura, Telangana and Uttarakhand to complete all groundwork related to the revision exercise at the earliest. The SIR in these states and UTs is expected to commence from April 2026.

Advertisement

The Commission noted that ensuring updated and error-free electoral rolls is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, particularly with several States set to witness important electoral activities in the coming years.

‎“Timely completion of preparatory work will ensure that the Special Intensive Revision begins smoothly and achieves its objective of enhancing the accuracy of voter lists,” the Commission said in its communication.

‎Officials said the preparatory exercise would involve rationalisation of polling stations, verification of electoral databases, logistical arrangements, training of booth-level officers, and coordination with district administrations.

‎A senior election official said, “The SIR is a comprehensive exercise aimed at removing discrepancies, eliminating duplicate entries, and facilitating the inclusion of all eligible citizens. Early preparation is essential for effective implementation.”

‎The Commission has also directed CEOs to closely monitor district-level preparedness and submit status reports within stipulated timelines. Regular review meetings are expected to be held to track progress and address operational challenges.

‎Election authorities in several States confirmed that internal assessments are underway to meet the April 2026 timeline.

‎The ECI’s move signals the beginning of groundwork for one of the most extensive voter roll updation exercises in the country, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accuracy, and greater voter participation ahead of future elections.