The Election Commission of India has extended the deadline for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision, SIR, of electoral rolls in 12 states and union territories, allowing an extra week for citizens and officials to complete enumeration. Accordingly, the revised date of December 11 replaces the earlier cut-off date of December 4.
Initiated in early November, the SIR process covers close to 51 crore registered voters across nine states and three UTs – Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, along with Lakshadweep and Puducherry.
Under the exercise, each elector from the rolls as of October 27 was issued a pre-filled enumeration form. Booth-Level Officers are to undertake house-to-house visits-at least three per household-to collect forms and update details to verify eligibility.
This will have cascading effects on subsequent processes: after the close of enumeration on December 11, re-structuring of polling stations, preparation of control tables, and finalisation of draft electoral rolls would follow. Publishing of the draft list in the middle of December, a claims and objections window, and publication of the final roll will occur in early 2026.
The ECI’s decision to extend the deadline comes amid growing concerns over adequate verification of voters and rising workloads for field officials. This extension is intended to make sure that all eligible citizens, especially those residing in remote or difficult-to-access areas, get ample opportunity for updating their details and avoid exclusion from the final list.
The SIR exercise assumes significance against the backdrop of the forthcoming assembly elections in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The electoral rolls revised now will be the basis for these future polls.
The ECI, at various levels, has emphasized the need for full participation. The eligible voters, who have yet to submit their enumeration forms, are advised to contact their respective local BLO or use the facility of “Book-a-call with BLO” on the ECINet App. Helpline numbers, including the toll-free 1950, continue to remain operational for assistance. With the new timeline, authorities aim not just for completion but for accuracy-a promise to voters of a final clean and updated list ahead of the pivotal state elections.
