ECI Engages Political Parties on Bihar’s Voter Roll Overhaul
The Election Commission of India (ECI) convened a high-level meeting with representatives of 11 political parties on the progress of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. The drive, covering 7.90 crore electors, is one of the most comprehensive voter list updates undertaken in recent years.
Key Objectives of SIR 2025
Led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the ECI briefed the attendees on the structured rollout of SIR 2025. The Commission aims to:
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Ensure inclusion of all eligible voters
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Promote transparency through political participation
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Facilitate door-to-door voter data verification
Political parties present included the Congress, RJD, SP, DMK, NCP, CPI, CPI(M), Shiv Sena (UBT) among others.
The Commission detailed a five-phase strategy for the voter roll revision:
Phase 1 (June 25 – July 3):
Enumerators distribute pre-filled Enumeration Forms (EFs) based on electoral data as of June 23. Over 77,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 1.5 lakh political party agents are facilitating the process.
Phase 2 (Till July 25):
Voters complete and return EFs. Four lakh volunteers, including NCC cadets and government staff, are assisting the elderly, PwDs, and vulnerable citizens.
Phase 3 (June 25 – July 26):
BLOs collect completed forms with documents. Data is uploaded daily via the BLO App/ECINET, ensuring real-time updates.
Phase 4 (August 1):
Publication of the Draft Electoral Roll. Voters can verify entries, while political parties receive digital and physical copies for review.
Phase 5 (August 1 – September 1):
Public can file claims and objections. EROs will adjudicate applications under Article 326 and RPA, 1950, ensuring procedural fairness.
Eligibility and Documentation Rules
The ECI emphasized clarity on documentation:
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No documents needed if enrolled as of January 1, 2003.
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Others must provide one or more identity and birth documents based on age:
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Born before July 1, 1987: Self-document.
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Between July 1987 – December 2004: Self + one parent.
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After December 2004: Self + both parents.
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2003 Roll extract is available at https://voters.eci.gov.in
An online EF submission system is being launched to ease the process for tech-savvy users.
Final Electoral Roll by September 30
Following the claims and objections window, Final Electoral Rolls will be published on September 30, 2025. Recognized political parties will receive both soft and hard copies free of charge.
Electors can appeal ERO decisions under Section 24(a) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and escalate to the Chief Electoral Officer under Section 24(b), if necessary.
ECI Calls for Public Participation
CEC Gyanesh Kumar encouraged all political parties to expand their Booth Level Agent presence, enhancing transparency and participation. The Commission has also appealed to the public to ensure no eligible voter is left out.
This outreach marks another step in strengthening democratic processes and preparing for upcoming elections with an inclusive, error-free voter base.