The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the next phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, extending the exercise to 12 States and Union Territories after its first round in Bihar. The initiative aims to clean up voter lists affected by migration, deceased voters, and other inaccuracies flagged by several political parties, notably the Congress.
However, concerns from Bihar’s experience have raised red flags about the process’s potential to disenfranchise eligible voters. The Bihar rollout was completed in a short period—around one month for enumeration and another for objections—resulting in statistical inconsistencies.
In Bihar’s case, the gender ratio among voters dropped from 907 women per 1,000 men to 892, a sharp decline compared to recent demographic surveys. Analysts pointed out that young women voters (aged 18–29) were disproportionately removed under the “permanently shifted” category, even in areas with high female turnout. Ironically, the SIR’s main purpose was to eliminate names of those not “ordinarily resident,” yet it ended up excluding more women than men.
Under the current framework, much of the verification burden rests on citizens and political party representatives (Booth Level Agents) rather than the Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Critics argue this structure is flawed since political agents are often motivated by competitive interests rather than inclusivity.
The ECI’s initial response in Bihar—that excluded voters could simply re-register with the help of party representatives—was met with skepticism. Following intervention from the Supreme Court, the Commission was directed to publish detailed lists of excluded voters, prompting some corrective measures.
In this new nationwide rollout, the ECI has introduced a 54-day “Notice period” for verification and hearings. BLOs are also expected to make up to three home visits for confirmation. Yet, temporary migrants who are absent during enumeration risk being left out despite meeting the “ordinarily resident” criteria under the law.
The ECI’s online enumeration form option, meant to ease participation, is also being criticized for ignoring India’s digital divide and literacy barriers, potentially sidelining those without internet access.
As the revision expands, civil society, political parties, and the media are being urged to remain vigilant. Experts warn that without active oversight, the SIR process—though well-intentioned—could undermine voter inclusion and weaken the integrity of India’s electoral democracy.
