Election Commission Launches Extensive Voter Roll Revision Across 16 States

The Election Commission has initiated phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 16 states and three Union Territories, targeting 36.73 crore voters, starting May 30. Over 3.94 lakh booth level officers will conduct house-to-house verifications, with political parties appointing booth level agents to assist. Phase 3 excludes snow-bound regions like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, which will be covered later.

The Election Commission commenced phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 16 states and three Union Territories on Thursday, targeting 36.73 crore voters. The exercise, which began on May 30, involves states ruled by opposition such as Punjab, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Telangana.

More than 3.94 lakh booth level officers will carry out house-to-house verifications, assisted by 3.42 lakh booth level agents from political parties. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh will have their schedules announced later due to weather conditions.

The final electoral rolls will be published in stages, starting with Odisha and ending with Tripura in December. The EC emphasizes the inclusion of only eligible voters, with over 60 lakh dead voters removed in phase 2. The Aadhaar card was introduced as the 12th identity document following a Supreme Court directive.