Stories
Election Commission Modifies SIR Procedures, Addresses Key Objections
- •The Election Commission has implemented changes to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, including home visits for voters with unmapped or logically discrepant notices, replacing mandatory office appearances.
- •Help desks and special camps will be established for vulnerable groups like those in night shelters, laborers, and homeless individuals to facilitate voter registration.
- •The EC has ordered a review of the ECINet system by a committee including an independent expert to ensure compliance with laws and rules, and to provide greater flexibility for field officers.
- •Internal procedures have been updated, requiring agendas before meetings, minutes afterwards, commission approval for foreign trips, and timely completion of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports.
- •SIR deadlines have been extended in Delhi and Maharashtra, allowing more time for voters to file claims and objections, while the commission maintains that the SIR exercise itself remains unchanged.
Key Questions Answered
Voters who receive Special Intensive Revision notices due to being unmapped or having logical discrepancies no longer need to visit the Electoral Registration Officer's office. Instead, Booth Level Officers will visit their homes to collect documents and upload them to ECINet, with hearings held only in exceptional cases.
The Election Commission extended the SIR-related deadlines to give voters more time. In Delhi, the deadline for filing claims and objections was extended to October 30, with disposal extended to November 30. In Maharashtra, claims and objections can be filed until October 12, with disposal extended to November 10.
The commission ordered a comprehensive review of ECINet led by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and an independent technical expert from an IIT or IIIT to ensure system compliance with relevant laws and rules.
