Patna: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar, marking the first such effort in the state since 2003. This initiative aims to ensure that the names of all eligible citizens are correctly included in the voter list, and those of ineligible persons are excluded, resulting in a clean and credible electoral roll.
The move comes in light of significant demographic changes across the state due to rapid urbanisation, high rates of migration, and a rising number of young citizens reaching the voting age of 18. The Commission is also addressing concerns regarding the failure to update deaths in voter records and the presence of illegal foreign nationals on the list.
Under the revision programme, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door verification to identify and register eligible voters. Political parties have been encouraged to participate by appointing Booth Level Agents (BLAs) for each polling station to assist in the process and ensure accuracy at the grassroots level.
As per the guidelines, the revision will strictly adhere to the eligibility and disqualification criteria laid down in Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 16 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will continue to evaluate eligibility, but must now upload relevant documents to the ECINET portal. While this digital shift aims to improve transparency, document confidentiality will be maintained, with access restricted to authorised election officials.
If any voter or political party raises a claim or objection, it will be investigated by the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) before the ERO makes a final decision. Appeals against these decisions can be filed with the District Magistrate or the Chief Electoral Officer, as per Section 24 of the 1950 Act.
The Commission has also instructed all election officials — including the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), District Electoral Officer (DEO), and EROs — to ensure that the revision process is accessible to all, especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, the ill, and marginalised communities. Volunteers may be deployed to assist vulnerable groups during the verification.
Stressing the importance of smooth execution, the Commission has pledged to minimise inconvenience to voters and ensure that the revision process is as inclusive and transparent as possible. The involvement of political parties is being seen as crucial to reducing errors, claims, and objections later in the process.
