Why in News ?
The Election Commission (EC) recently concluded the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of Assembly elections and plans a phased rollout across other States. The process has sparked debate over voter inclusion, documentation requirements, and electoral fairness.
Relevance
- GS II – Polity & Governance:
- Role of EC in preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
- Right to vote, voter inclusion, and clean elections.
- Judicial oversight in election administration.
- GS II – Democracy & Accountability:
- Citizen participation in electoral processes.
- Challenges in electoral inclusion for marginalized groups.
Context & Background
- Legal Basis:
- Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) allows preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
- EC can carry out a summary revision before elections and a special revision at any time.
- SIR in Bihar:
- EC order dated June 24, 2025 initiated SIR nationwide, starting with Bihar.
- Bihar Assembly elections due in November 2025; July 1 fixed as qualifying date.
- Process Steps:
- Submission of enumeration forms by registered voters.
- Submission of eligible documents proving citizenship (for voters registered post-2003).
- Publication of draft electoral rolls.
- Period for filing claims and objections.
- Verification and disposal of claims by Electoral Registration Officers (ERO).
- Publication of final electoral roll (Bihar roll released on Sept 30, 2025).
- Judicial Intervention:
- SIR process challenged in the Supreme Court.
- Court directed EC to accept Aadhaar as proof of identity along with enumeration forms.
Forms & Citizen Participation
- Relevant Forms:
- Defined in Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER).
- Include forms for new voter registration, migration, objections, corrections, deletions, etc.
- Citizens should fill out the relevant forms based on their status.
- Citizen Responsibility:
- Verify published draft rolls.
- Submit forms if new voters or migrated.
- Seek assistance from political parties, civil society, or EROs, especially for marginalized groups.
Significance
- Clean electoral rolls are vital for free and fair elections.
- Ensures every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote without compromise.
- Phased rollout in other States aims to improve efficiency and inclusivity.
Challenges & Concerns
- Short timelines may disadvantage marginalized groups, particularly women, migrants, and those with weak documentation.
- Political debates about SIR often highlight fears of exclusion or voter manipulation, though EC maintains neutrality.
- Need for adequate public awareness and facilitation to avoid disenfranchisement.
Way Forward
- Extended timelines for SIR to allow hassle-free participation.
- Ensure Aadhaar and other accepted documents are widely communicated.
- Political parties and civil society must assist vulnerable populations in verifying and updating rolls.
- Phased nationwide SIR can improve the accuracy of rolls for upcoming Assembly elections.
Conclusion
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and other electoral processes ensure inclusive and accurate voter registration. Robust citizen participation, timely awareness, and facilitation are essential to maintain free and fair elections.
