ECI SAYS SIR DECISIONS WERE UNANIMOUS, CLARIFIES OFFICERS’ ROLES AND VOTER INCLUSION PROCESS

September 26, 2026

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India has said that all decisions relating to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including the nationwide exercise, were approved unanimously. The clarification came amid reports of differences within the poll panel over aspects of the electoral-roll revision process.

The Commission also announced changes to make the process easier for voters who receive notices over unmapped names or logical discrepancies. Such voters will ordinarily not have to appear personally before the Electoral Registration Officer. Booth-level officers will instead visit their homes to collect documents and upload them on the ECINet system, after which the ERO will take a decision. Hearings will be held only in exceptional cases, preferably online, while an authorised adult family member may appear on behalf of an elector.

The ECI said SIR has been completed in 20 states and Union territories, including Bihar and West Bengal. Voters whose names were left out, as well as young and first-time voters, can seek inclusion through continuous updation. The Commission has directed electoral authorities to conduct special enrolment drives and establish help desks and camps for vulnerable groups, including homeless people, labourers and residents of night shelters.

On the reported dispute concerning an officer on deputation and the Commission’s IT division, the ECI said a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary concerned the functioning of the officer and not a policy decision involving the poll panel or its IT division. It said certain work redistribution orders issued by the officer were not implemented following directions from two Election Commissioners, while oversight of the IT division by the Deputy Election Commissioner remained in place.

The Commission further said a committee headed by a senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent IIT or IIIT expert would review ECINet for compliance with applicable laws and rules. It also extended the deadline for claims and objections in Delhi to October 30 and in Maharashtra to October 12.