The Election Commission of India (ECI) is undertaking a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, scheduled for later this year. This initiative aims to update and purify the voter list, addressing concerns about duplicate entries and ensuring only eligible citizens are enrolled.
However, the ECI's decision has stirred controversy, with opposition parties claiming it could disenfranchise a significant number of voters, especially migrants. Concerns have been raised about the stringent documentation requirements, potentially excluding marginalized communities who may lack the necessary paperwork. The opposition has termed the exercise "votebandi," comparing it to the demonetization carried out in 2016.
To counter these concerns and ensure maximum participation, the ECI is employing various strategies to promote the electoral roll revision. One notable approach is roping in "Banrakas" from the Panchayati Raj system. These local-level workers, familiar with the communities and their needs, are tasked with raising awareness about the revision process and assisting voters in completing the necessary formalities.
The "Banrakas" will play a crucial role in disseminating information about the importance of updating voter details and the procedures involved. They will also help voters gather the required documents and fill out enumeration forms. By leveraging their grassroots connections, the ECI hopes to reach every eligible citizen and ensure their inclusion in the electoral rolls.
Recognizing the challenges some voters may face in producing documents immediately, the ECI has also eased the initial rules. Voters can now submit forms without all the required documents, which can be provided later. This move aims to address concerns about potential disenfranchisement and encourage more people to participate in the revision process.
The SIR process requires every elector to submit an enumeration form to their respective Booth Level Officers (BLOs). For those registered in the electoral roll as of January 1, 2003, based on the last SIR, no further documents are needed except the extract of the 2003 electoral roll. The ECI has also made pre-filled enumeration forms available to existing electors. The draft electoral rolls, which will include names of electors who have submitted filled enumeration forms, will be issued on August 1, 2025. The last date for submission of forms is July 25, 2025.
The ECI's decision to conduct this SIR stems from the need to address changes in demographics and migration patterns over the past two decades. The commission is constitutionally obligated to ensure that only citizens are enrolled in the electoral rolls.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is being implemented in accordance with the Election Commission of India's order dated June 24, 2025. As of today, at 6.00 PM, 2,87,98,460 Enumeration Forms i.e. 36.47 per cent of the total of 7,89,69,844 electors in Bihar who are enrolled as on June 24, 2025, have been received.
The ECI's efforts to promote the electoral roll revision, including engaging local workers and easing documentation rules, reflect its commitment to ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process. However, the success of this exercise will depend on addressing the concerns of all stakeholders and ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind.
