Today, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) across the nation in a press conference. He highlighted that this phase seeks to update voter lists, introduce new voters, and rectify existing errors across these states.
Second Phase to Encompass 12 States
In this phase, the Election Commission is conducting SIR in 12 states and union territories, which include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Puducherry, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep.
Source: aajtak
During this process, Booth Level Officers (BLO) will visit each voter's residence at least three times to add new voters and correct any errors. According to Gyanesh Kumar, 'BLOs will go door-to-door, collecting Form-6 and Declaration Form, assist new voters in filling out forms, and submit them to Electoral Registration Officers (ERO) or Assistant EROs.'
Chief Election Commissioner revealed that training for phase 2 will begin on Tuesday. Additionally, all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Electoral Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to meet political parties within the next two days to inform them about the SIR process.
The commission has also ensured that voters, especially the elderly, ill, differently-abled, poor, and underprivileged, face no difficulties. Measures will be in place to provide them with maximum assistance.
Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that no polling station would have more than 1200 voters.
Gratitude to Bihar Voters
Addressing the press in Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar extended his best wishes and gratitude to the voters of Bihar, commending the 75 million voters who actively participated in the process, contributing to its success.
He further mentioned that the commission engaged in extensive discussions with electoral officials from all 36 states and union territories regarding the process.
SIR Conducted Eight Times
Since 1951, the country has witnessed eight instances of Special Intensive Revision. Gyanesh Kumar noted that political parties have often raised concerns regarding the quality of electoral lists.
Lists to be Frozen Tonight
In the states participating in this phase of SIR, the voter lists will be frozen tonight as per Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Why SIR is Essential?
Gyanesh Kumar elaborated on the necessity of SIR, citing reasons such as frequent migrations resulting in multiple registrations for the same voter, failure to remove deceased voters from lists, and erroneous inclusion of foreign nationals.
