The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is nearing completion. This phase focused on printing and distributing enumeration forms to eligible voters. The ECI stated that the SIR is being implemented smoothly with the cooperation of the electors, and according to the instructions issued on June 24, 2025.
The purpose of the SIR is to revise the electoral rolls in Bihar. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has emphasized the importance of this revision, noting that numerous political parties had expressed dissatisfaction with the existing electoral rolls. The ECI has held nearly 5,000 meetings with over 28,000 representatives from various political parties over the past four months to address these concerns.
As of today, a significant number of enumeration forms, 1,69,49,208 which accounts for 21.46 percent of the total 7,89,69,844 electors enrolled in Bihar as of June 24, 2025, have been received. The ECI has clarified that there have been no changes to the SIR instructions and that the draft electoral rolls, set to be issued on August 1, 2025, will include the names of individuals whose enumeration forms have been received. Electors can submit their documents until July 25, 2025. Even after the draft rolls are published, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can request any missing documents from electors during the scrutiny period for claims and objections.
The ECI is undertaking several measures to facilitate the process. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are going door-to-door to assist electors in filling out and collecting enumeration forms. In many instances, BLOs are taking live pictures of electors to simplify the process. Additionally, partially filled forms are available for download on the ECI portal and ECINET App, where electors can also upload the completed forms.
The SIR has faced some opposition, with concerns raised about potential voter exclusion. Some political parties have expressed fears that the revision process could disproportionately disenfranchise marginalized communities. In response, the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has clarified that all measures are being taken to assist existing electors in completing their documentation. The CEO has also stated that voters will have time to submit documents even after submitting their enumeration forms.
To address public concerns, the Bihar CEO's office has stated that voters should fill out and submit their enumeration forms with documents and photographs to BLOs as early as possible. If voters lack the required documents, they can still submit the filled-out and signed forms to the BLOs. The ECI will accept 11 different documents as proof, including birth certificates, passports, educational certificates, and other documents issued by public authorities before 1967.
The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on September 30. The ECI aims to create a more accurate and transparent voter list through this intensive revision, addressing issues such as ineligible voters, discrepancies in voter information, and ensuring that all eligible citizens are included.
