Big Update for Voters: EC’s SIR Campaign Goes National

 

In a significant development for India’s electoral process, the Election Commission of India has planned to implement the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the country. Implemented first in India in Bihar, the SIR drive aims to find duplicate entries in the voter list, remove ineligible voters and verifying voter credentials with updated documentation.

This step has been taken after a thorough investigation and political debate, particularly following the removal of more than 6.5 million names during the SIR process in Bihar. While the EC has stated that this process is part of its constitutional duty to conduct clean and fair elections, opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed concern about the potential disenfranchisement of marginalized communities.

What Is the SIR Campaign?

The Special Intensive Revision is a focused drive to verify the accuracy of voter rolls. The process includes:

• Verification of voter identities
• Removal of duplicate or deceased voters
• Updating addresses due to migration
• Allowing new eligible voters to enroll
• Claim and objection procedures for disputed deletions

For the first time, the Aadhaar card has been officially added as the 12th valid identity document for voter verification during SIR — a move welcomed by some for ease, but questioned by others for privacy concerns.

Bihar: First SIR Process

Bihar served as the testing ground for the SIR process. However, the state became a flashpoint of controversy after the EC removed a staggering 65 lakh names from the voter list. The Supreme Court, responding to petitions and public pressure, directed the EC to publish district-wise lists of deleted voters along with detailed reasons for their removal.

Political leaders, including Congress and AIMIM, accused the Commission of targeting voters from SC, ST, OBC, and minority backgrounds, especially those who are poor or migrant workers. They allege the process lacked transparency and adequate public awareness.

EC’s Stand: “It’s Our Constitutional Duty”

In its defense, the Election Commission clarified that no voter is deleted arbitrarily and that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) conduct door-to-door verification. The Commission emphasized that due process is followed, and voters have a chance to raise objections if their names are missing or mistakenly removed.

“Removing ineligible or fake voters is not a political act; it is a legal responsibility. Every citizen should have confidence in the integrity of the voter list,” an EC official stated.

The National Rollout: What It Means

With the campaign going national, several implications come into focus:

• Improved Electoral Integrity: If implemented effectively, the SIR campaign can ensure that elections are more fair and free from manipulation.
• Risk of Disenfranchisement: Lack of awareness, especially in rural and low-literacy areas, may lead to eligible voters being removed unintentionally.
• Increased Political Tensions: In the run-up to major elections like Lok Sabha 2026, any large-scale deletion of names could become a political flashpoint.
• Digital Divide Challenges: Linking voter data with Aadhaar and requiring online verification may alienate voters with limited access to technology.

What Should Voters Do?

Voters across the country are advised to stay alert and proactive:

• Check your name on the electoral roll via the official EC website or mobile app.
• Submit claim/objection forms if your name is missing or incorrect.
• Keep valid identity and address proofs ready, especially Aadhaar or voter ID.
• Contact local BLOs for any help during the verification process.