The Election Commission of India has announced the third phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) programme to update voter lists across 16 states and three Union Territories.
The large-scale exercise will begin later this month and will involve door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Officials said the aim is to remove duplicate and incorrect entries while ensuring all eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections.
States covered under this phase include Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, among others. The Election Commission said the revision process is part of its regular effort to maintain accurate voter data across the country.
During the drive, election officials will visit households to verify voter details. Citizens can also apply for new voter registrations, correction of details and deletion of names in case of duplicate or deceased voters. Draft voter lists will be published after verification, followed by a period for claims and objections before the final rolls are released.
Officials said the process is important to ensure free and fair elections by keeping voter lists updated and transparent. Political parties will also be allowed to appoint Booth Level Agents to monitor the exercise.
The announcement has sparked political reactions in some states, especially in Punjab, where opposition leaders questioned the timing of the revision ahead of elections. Some leaders demanded greater clarity from the Election Commission regarding the process.
Election officials, however, said the revision is a routine exercise carried out periodically across states and Union Territories.
The Commission has urged voters to cooperate with BLOs during verification visits and ensure that their names and details are correctly recorded in the electoral rolls. Citizens can also use the Election Commission’s online platforms and mobile applications to access voter services and updates.
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