Election Commission Launches Phase 3 of Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls

The Election Commission of India has initiated Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, targeting 16 states and 3 Union Territories, excluding Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh due to weather considerations. This phase aims to ensure only eligible voters are included in the electoral roll and will conclude with the publication of final rolls between September and December.

The process, starting in late May, involves multiple stages including house-to-house enumeration and publication of draft and final rolls at different times for various regions. Notably, the ECI has introduced the concept of 'discrepancy' in electoral roll linking, though specific criteria for this discrepancy are not detailed in the latest instructions.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar encouraged enthusiastic participation, emphasizing the revision's goal of electoral integrity. The exercise covers over 36.73 crore electors and involves significant field machinery, including 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers and 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents from political parties.

States like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have the largest electorates in this phase. The schedule is coordinated to avoid conflicts with ongoing census activities and upcoming assembly polls in states like Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Manipur.