Election Commission of India issues new SIR guidelines

The Election Commission of India has issued new directives regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to streamline voter list updates. Following a meeting on September 26, the Commission decided that Booth Level Officers (BLO) will visit the homes of voters who have received notices due to missing information or logical discrepancies. These officers will collect necessary documents and upload them to the ECINet system, reducing the need for voters to visit Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) offices in person.

To facilitate hearings, the Commission is prioritizing online options. In exceptional cases, an ERO may request an in-person hearing, and voters may authorize an adult family member to represent them. For vulnerable populations, including the homeless and laborers, District Election Officers have been instructed to set up help desks and special camps at night shelters and other locations.

Additionally, the Commission announced that a committee, chaired by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent expert from an institution like an IIT, will review the ECINet system to ensure compliance with legal standards. The Commission also confirmed that the declaration required with Form-6 for SIR remains valid as upheld by the Supreme Court.