On Monday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the commencement of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process across the nation to ensure an error-free electoral roll. This process is being conducted after nearly 21 years.
He informed that the last occurrence of this process was between 2002 and 2004. To maintain the integrity and transparency of the electoral roll, it is being implemented in phases. He also mentioned that the Election Commission continually receives letters from various political parties requesting the purification of the electoral list.
CEC clarified that although this is the eighth occurrence of the SIR process in the country, it was last completed approximately 21 years ago (between 2002 and 2004). Given the long gap, many essential changes have emerged in the voter list.
Read More: Beginning Tomorrow in UP, Bengal, and These 12 States, SIR Big Announcement by the Election Commission
Why is SIR Necessary? The Election Commission Highlights Four Main Reasons
Gyanesh Kumar explained that considering significant changes in the electoral roll on a national scale, the SIR is essential. The four main reasons are:
Migration of People:
With India's growth story, there has been a considerable movement of people from one place to another.
Dual/Multiple Entries:
Due to migration, a voter's name may get registered at both the old and new locations, leading to issues of being listed in more than one place.
Retention of Name after Death:
The voter's name remains in the list even after their demise.
Names of Foreign Citizens:
Errors resulting in the inclusion of names of foreign citizens in the electoral list.
The Chief Election Commissioner stated that due to these four reasons, the Election Commission has decided to carry out this process methodically across the country.
First Phase Successfully Completed in Bihar
CEC Gyanesh Kumar reported that the first phase of SIR has been successfully concluded in Bihar. He expressed gratitude to the 75 million voters who participated in the successful SIR and highlighted that the phase was completed with zero appeals. He also mentioned that in the states where SIR will be conducted, the electoral roll will be frozen from tonight.
