Bihar SIR: Over 83% Voters Submit Enumeration Forms, Election Commission Says

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported that over 83% of Bihar's 7.89 crore electors have submitted their enumeration forms as part of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The remaining 11.82% of electors are yet to submit their forms, with many seeking extensions. The poll body has engaged nearly one lakh Booth Level Officers and 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents to assist with the process. Special camps are being set up in urban areas to ensure that eligible voters are not left out of the voters' list.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported that over 83% of Bihar's 7.89 crore electors have submitted their enumeration forms as part of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This significant progress marks a substantial step forward in the ongoing electoral roll verification process. The remaining 11.82% of electors are yet to submit their forms, with many seeking extensions. The poll body has engaged nearly one lakh Booth Level Officers and 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents to assist with the process. Special camps are being set up in urban areas to ensure that eligible voters are not left out of the voters' list [1].

The ongoing SIR in Bihar is part of a broader nationwide effort by the ECI to clean up and standardize electoral rolls. The commission has cited rapid urbanization, increased migration, and duplicate entries as key reasons for this exercise. The SIR aims to verify each person's eligibility before they are enrolled as an elector, addressing concerns over the quality of the rolls and potential manipulation [2].

The SIR has been met with political opposition and confusion, with some questioning the need for documentary proof and the potential for disenfranchisement. However, the ECI has defended its approach, stating that it is necessary to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The commission has advised that Aadhaar, voter ID cards, and ration cards can be used as valid documents for updating the rolls [1].

The SIR is not limited to Bihar and is part of a nationwide intensive verification of electoral rolls, the first such exercise in more than two decades. This initiative reflects the ECI's commitment to maintaining accurate and reliable electoral rolls, which are crucial for the credibility of democratic elections. The process has begun with Bihar, where Assembly elections are due before November, and will continue across the country [1].

The ECI's approach to the SIR underscores its methodological flexibility, combining elements of both intensive and summary revisions. This hybrid approach allows the commission to address specific deficiencies and extraordinary circumstances, while also maintaining a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral rolls. The introduction of documentary proof at the enumeration stage is a departure from past practice, but the ECI maintains that it is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the rolls [1].

As the SIR progresses, it is crucial for the ECI to balance the need for accuracy with the risk of disenfranchisement. The commission must ensure that the process is fair and inclusive, and that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate. The success of the SIR will depend on the ECI's ability to navigate these challenges and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

References:
[1] https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/the-revision-of-electoral-rolls-10119162/
[2] https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/supreme-court-hearing-live-updates-bihar-electoral-roll-list-sir-election-commission/3909347/