The BRICS TimesChief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar confirmed the successful implementation of SIR in Bihar. The second phase of this comprehensive electoral roll update will now begin in other selected states and Union Territories.
The process for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists will start. It will cover 12 states and Union Territories, similar to the one held in Bihar. CEC Gyanesh Kumar held a press conference. He stated that the second phase of SIR aims to update voter lists. This includes adding new voters and correcting any existing errors. The CEC also mentioned that the electoral roll will be frozen tonight in all states undergoing SIR.
This revision will be the ninth voter list update since India’s independence. It is important to note that the list was revised eight times between 1951 and 2004. Political parties often complain about inaccuracies in the voter list.
SIR’s Second Phase Starts Tomorrow
The Chief Election Commissioner announced that the voter list will be frozen tonight at midnight. This applies to all states scheduled for the Special Intensive Revision. A Booth Level Officer (BLO) will be posted at every polling booth. Also, an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will be deployed in each assembly constituency. The ERO will be an SDM-level official. Enumeration Forms (EF) for all electors will be printed today itself. Each BLO must visit every home at least three times to collect information. Voters away from their registered area can fill out this form online. No extra documents or forms are needed during this enumeration.
These States Get Phase Two of SIR
CEC Gyanesh Kumar confirmed the second phase of SIR states. They include Andaman and Nicobar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Assembly elections are due next year in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry. The SIR process will begin in these 12 announced states tomorrow. The final draft list will be officially released on February 7, 2026.
Why Assam Is Excluded from SIR Announcement
Assam also has assembly elections next year, but SIR wasn’t announced there. CEC Gyanesh Kumar explained the reason for this decision. “Indian citizenship law has a separate rule for Assam’s citizenship.” Therefore, a distinct SIR order will be issued for Assam later. Regarding the alleged deadlock on SIR in West Bengal, the Election Commission clarified. “There is no deadlock there.” “All institutions uphold their constitutional duties.” The Election Commission performs its duty. The government there also fulfills its duty.
Understanding the SIR Process
The SIR procedure begins with printing the Enumeration Forms. The voter list in the states undergoing this Special Intensive Revision will be frozen tonight. Following this, every voter will receive this form at their home. When the BLO delivers the forms, they will check the name against the 2003 voter list. If the name and parents’ details match the list, the voter doesn’t need to provide any documentation.
