Patna: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a comprehensive five-step programme aimed at ensuring every eligible voter in Bihar is included in the electoral roll ahead of the 2025 polls. The initiative, part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2025, is currently being implemented across the state, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on September 30.
According to the office of Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer, the ECI has assured that “no eligible name will be left out.” Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar noted that, over the past four months, more than 5,000 meetings have been held between 4,123 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 775 District Election Officers (DEOs), and 36 Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), in consultation with representatives from over 28,000 political parties.
Despite the extensive outreach, Kumar acknowledged that no political party has been fully satisfied with the current voter list, citing varying concerns.
Step 1: Door-to-door distribution of forms
From June 25 to July 3, forms were distributed to approximately 7.9 crore voters in Bihar by over 77,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), with 20,603 new BLOs also being deployed. Pre-filled forms were handed out directly at voters’ homes, and are also available online at voters.eci.gov.in. Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties are permitted to submit up to 50 forms per day.
Step 2: Form submission deadline set for July 25
Voters must complete and return their forms to the BLOs by July 25. Over four lakh volunteers, including NCC, NSS members and government staff, are assisting with this phase. Special care is being taken to reach elderly, disabled, and marginalised individuals.
Document requirements vary by age:
- Voters listed in the 2003 roll need no additional documents.
- Those born before 1987 must provide one identity document.
- Those born between 1987 and 2004 must submit their own document plus one parent’s.
- Post-2004 births require documentation for both the voter and both parents.
Step 3: Form verification and data upload
Between June 25 and July 26, BLOs will collect completed forms and issue receipts to voters as confirmation. Data will be uploaded to the ECINET system or mobile app. Online submission of forms is also expected to launch shortly.
Step 4: Draft roll to be published in August
On August 1, the preliminary draft of the updated electoral roll will be published. Only those who submitted forms on time will appear in this list, which will be shared publicly and with all political parties. BLAs may then submit up to 10 forms daily for any missing names.
Step 5: Objections and finalisation
The final phase, running from August 1 to September 1, will allow voters to file claims or raise objections regarding the draft list. Officials will conduct hearings as required, and daily updates will be made available online and at local offices. Weekly summaries will be shared with political parties.
Following resolution of all claims and objections, the final electoral roll will be published on September 30. Free copies will be provided to all recognised political parties and posted online. Voters may appeal decisions within 15 days to the District Magistrate, and within 30 days to the Chief Electoral Officer if further resolution is needed.
