The Election Commission of India has launched the State Intensive Revision (SIR)</strong) in Bihar with a bold goal — “No eligible voter should be left out.” Scheduled for release on August 1, 2025, the Draft Electoral Roll marks a crucial move to safeguard democratic rights for every citizen.
What is Bihar SIR 2025?
The Bihar SIR 2025 is a large-scale electoral revision campaign focused on cleaning the voter list and registering every eligible citizen ahead of the state elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) leads the campaign, with support from BLOs (Booth Level Officers), BLAs (Booth Level Agents), EROs (Electoral Registration Officers), and DEOs (District Election Officers).
By promoting inclusion, ensuring data transparency, and upholding accountability, the initiative sets a precedent for other states to replicate.
Key Achievements So Far
- 91.32% of electors — 7.21 crore people — have submitted and digitised their forms.
- The campaign has already reached 99% of the eligible voter base.
- Officials flagged the names of 21.6 lakh deceased voters.
- 31.5 lakh electors who permanently migrated were identified and listed.
- Teams found 7 lakh voters registered at multiple locations.
- 1 lakh voters remained untraceable, as reported by BLOs and BLAs.
Despite door-to-door verification efforts, authorities are still awaiting fewer than 7 lakh forms. They are currently digitising these pending entries in preparation for the claims and objections window.
Upcoming Timeline
The Election Commission will release the Draft Electoral Roll on August 1, 2025. All 12 recognized political parties will receive both printed and digital copies. Citizens will also be able to access the roll on the ECI’s official website to promote transparency.
From August 1 to September 1, voters and political parties can file claims for missing names or object to incorrect entries.
Transparency and Political Involvement
On July 20, 2025, BLOs, EROs, and DEOs shared booth-level lists with political parties. These included details about:
- Electors who didn’t submit forms
- Deceased voters
- Individuals who permanently migrated
This shared responsibility enables parties to cross-verify records, raise objections, and flag potential issues such as duplication or incorrect data.
Why It Matters: Strengthening Indian Democracy
The Bihar SIR drive goes beyond technical updates. It strives to empower citizens through electoral rights. By removing outdated or inaccurate entries and ensuring new registrations, the campaign strengthens the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Such efforts play a vital role in preventing electoral fraud and ensuring truly representative elections.
Next Steps for Voters and Parties
During the claims and objections phase (August 1–September 1), voters can:
- Submit Form 6 to include their names
- Use Form 7 to request deletion of ineligible or incorrect entries
- File Form 8 to correct personal details
The ECI encourages citizens and political representatives to actively participate and maintain the integrity of the voter list.
What the Numbers Say
The statistics reflect the scale and success of the initiative:
| Category | Reported Numbers |
|---|---|
| Forms Received and Digitised | 7.21 Crore (91.32%) |
| Deceased Voters Reported | 21.6 Lakh |
| Permanently Migrated | 31.5 Lakh |
| Duplicate Registrations | 7 Lakh |
| Untraceable Voters | 1 Lakh |
| Forms Not Yet Received | Under 7 Lakh |
Conclusion: Every Vote Matters
The Bihar SIR 2025 initiative marks a new era of electoral reform and inclusivity. It combines technology, field-level action, and public engagement to build a trustworthy and representative voter database.
As the claims and objections period begins, it’s vital that both voters and political parties stay involved. Through this collaborative effort, Bihar moves closer to ensuring that every eligible citizen has a voice.
