EC asks 22 states, UTs to prepare for next phase of SIR expected in April

Election Commission Gears Up 22 States for Crucial Voter Roll Update

The Election Commission of India has issued directives to chief electoral officers in 22 states and Union Territories, urging them to kick off preparations immediately for the upcoming phase of the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of electoral rolls. This third round is slated to start from April 2026, covering key regions like Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and others including Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and several northeastern states. The move comes after successful phases in Bihar and 12 other areas, as part of a nationwide effort to ensure voter lists are accurate and up-to-date ahead of future polls.

In a formal letter sent on Thursday, EC Secretary Pawan Diwan emphasized the need to complete all preparatory tasks at the earliest to avoid any hitches. These tasks include mapping current voters against the electoral rolls from 2002-2004, the last time a similar intensive revision took place, and training booth-level officers for door-to-door verification. This phase will involve around 373.9 million voters, making up about 38% of India's total electorate from the 2024 general elections. The commission aims to remove duplicates, ineligible entries, and add legitimate new voters who might have been missed.

What the Special Intensive Revision Entails and Its Timeline

The SIR process is a thorough house-to-house check to purify electoral rolls, a critical step for fair elections. It kicked off in June 2025 with Bihar, where massive deletions occurred—among the largest in recent history—sparking debates but defended by the EC as essential for electoral integrity. The second phase, announced on October 27, 2025, covered 12 states and UTs like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala. Now, with those wrapping up, the focus shifts to the remaining 22, potentially running through June or July if extensions are needed. Detailed schedules will follow soon, and no elections are due in these areas this year.

This revision coincides with the houselisting stage of the Census 2027, scheduled between April and September. States like Delhi, Haryana, and Odisha might adjust their census timelines to sync with SIR or request shifts to later phases. EC officials express confidence that both exercises can proceed without major conflicts, ensuring smooth operations on the ground. Preparatory work is key, involving verification of voter details to prevent issues like fake entries or outdated information that could undermine democracy.

Reactions, Challenges, and Broader Implications

The SIR has not been without controversy. In Bihar, opposition parties labeled it an attempt to disenfranchise marginalized groups, turning it into a political hotspot, though the Supreme Court backed the EC's approach. Petitions on its legality are still under judicial review. "The Special Intensive Revision is vital for maintaining the sanctity of our electoral process; it ensures every eligible voter is included while removing ghosts from the rolls, fostering trust in our democracy," an EC official remarked. This nationwide push reflects the commission's commitment to robust voter lists.

The Special Intensive Revision is vital for maintaining the sanctity of our electoral process; it ensures every eligible voter is included while removing ghosts from the rolls, fostering trust in our democracy.

For the general public, SIR means booth-level agents will visit homes to verify details, update records, and help with new registrations. Eligible citizens turning 18 can get added, while those who have shifted or passed away will be flagged for removal. This could lead to significant changes in voter numbers, similar to Bihar's deletions. With India's massive electorate nearing a billion, such revisions are periodic necessities to keep democracy vibrant. States are now racing against time to train staff and map data, setting the stage for a cleaner electoral framework.

In wrapping up, the EC's directive marks a pivotal step in completing the nationwide SIR by mid-2026, covering all states and UTs. It promises more accurate voter rolls through verification and updates, despite past political frictions and logistical overlaps with the census. This exercise underscores the ongoing effort to strengthen India's electoral system for future contests.