Relevance for UPSC:
Important for GS Paper II (Governance, Polity & Elections) — focuses on electoral reforms, inclusion, and institutional accountability.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, recently launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI), aims to clean and update voter lists across 12 states and one Union Territory. The exercise follows lessons learned from the Bihar SIR, which drew widespread attention and legal scrutiny for large-scale voter deletions.

Why SIR Matters

India’s electoral rolls are the foundation of its democratic process. Over time, migration, urbanisation, and demographic changes cause inaccuracies—such as duplicate names, deceased voters, or missing eligible citizens. Periodic revision ensures both accuracy and inclusivity, protecting the constitutional right to vote under Article 326 and fulfilling the ECI’s mandate under Article 324 and the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Key Features of the Current SIR

• House-to-house verification: Booth Level Officers are visiting households to update or verify entries.
• Document flexibility: Unlike earlier revisions, voters can now use a broader range of documents — Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card, passport, or driving licence — to establish eligibility.
• Inclusive data columns: The new enumeration forms include columns to record family links and traceability to older rolls, making it easier for voters without strong documentation to be included.
• Digital tracking: A digitised tracking mechanism has been introduced to verify residence and eliminate duplication.

Concerns and Criticism

Despite its intent, the process has faced criticism. Reports from Bihar indicated over 65 lakh deletions, sparking fears of mass disenfranchisement, especially among migrants, minorities, and economically weaker citizens.
Non-NDA states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have also expressed concerns over the ECI’s timelines and transparency, arguing that the process should not be rushed or politically influenced.

The Supreme Court recently urged the ECI to ensure inclusivity by accepting a wider range of ID proofs and providing adequate opportunity for claims and objections. It emphasised that citizenship verification must not lead to wrongful exclusion.

Why Inclusivity Is Crucial

An inclusive SIR strengthens electoral credibility and public trust. If executed transparently, it can:

• Improve voter participation by adding missing eligible voters.
• Enhance accountability through transparent verification and grievance redressal.
• Reduce political friction by ensuring non-partisan execution.
• Support cleaner, more reliable electoral rolls for upcoming elections.

Way Forward

• Conduct extensive awareness campaigns so all citizens, especially migrants and first-time voters, know their verification schedule.
• Provide digital and physical grievance mechanisms for voters to correct or restore entries easily.
• Maintain real-time transparency in voter deletions and additions.
• Ensure judicial and third-party oversight to maintain neutrality and fairness.

One-line Wrap:
A transparent and inclusive SIR is vital to ensure every eligible Indian’s right to vote, balancing accuracy with accessibility in the heart of democracy.