Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Begins in Bihar with Massive Participation
GG News Bureau
Patna, 28th June: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, aiming to verify and update the electoral rolls with the active participation of political parties and voters across the state.
In line with Article 326 of the Constitution of India, which defines the eligibility criteria for an elector — Indian citizenship, a minimum age of 18 years, and ordinary residence in the concerned constituency — the SIR process is being conducted to ensure electoral integrity and inclusivity.
The ECI has already mobilised 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and is appointing an additional 20,603 BLOs to cater to the newly created polling stations across Bihar. To aid the revision process and ensure that no eligible voter is left behind, over one lakh volunteers have been deployed. These volunteers are specifically tasked with assisting vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, the ailing, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), the poor, and other marginalised sections.
All recognised national and state political parties have also contributed to the process by appointing 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to support verification efforts at the grassroots level. The ECI has permitted the appointment of additional BLAs as needed.
The door-to-door distribution and printing of new Enumeration Forms (EFs) has already commenced for the state’s 7.89 crore electors spread across 243 Assembly constituencies. The online portal for EF submission has also been activated, allowing citizens to fill and submit their details digitally.
Of the total electors, 4.96 crore voters who were already included in the 2003 electoral roll revision are required only to verify their inclusion and resubmit their information via the new EF.
To facilitate timely updates, all Divisional Commissioners and District Magistrates have been directed to engage BLOs on a full-time basis during the SIR. Additionally, SMS notifications are being sent to over 5.74 crore registered mobile users across Bihar to raise awareness and encourage participation.
The ECI confirmed that all activities under SIR are progressing smoothly and on schedule, reinforcing its commitment to free, fair, and inclusive elections guided by the Constitution of India.
