The Election Commission of India (EC) on Saturday formally addressed reports of internal discord regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asserting that all major policy decisions, including the nationwide revision exercise, were reached with the unanimous approval of the Commission. The poll body emphasized that the SIR order, initially issued on June 24, 2025, for all states and Union Territories, was implemented in phases and subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court of India in its order dated May 27, 2026.
In a bid to streamline the electoral process, the Commission announced new measures for voters who receive notices regarding logical discrepancies or unmapped status. Under the updated guidelines, such individuals will generally not be required to appear in person before an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). Instead, Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) are tasked with visiting the residences of affected voters to collect necessary documentation, which will then be uploaded to the ECINet system for official review. The Commission noted that formal hearings will be reserved for exceptional cases and will be conducted online whenever possible, with provisions for authorized family members to represent the elector.
Addressing concerns regarding administrative oversight, the EC clarified that a recent communication sent to the Cabinet Secretary pertained solely to the functioning of an officer on deputation and did not involve broader policy decisions. The Commission confirmed that work redistribution orders issued by that officer were not implemented following directives from two Commissioners, and that the oversight of the IT division by the Deputy Election Commissioner remains intact. To ensure future compliance, a committee led by a senior Deputy Election Commissioner, including an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT, has been established to review IT systems and protocols.
Furthermore, the Commission has extended deadlines for filing claims and objections in response to regional requests. In Delhi, the deadline has been moved to October 30, with the disposal of claims set for November 30. In Maharashtra, the filing period has been extended to October 12, with disposal continuing until November 10. The EC also directed that special help desks and camps be established to assist vulnerable populations, including laborers and the homeless, while confirming that continuous updation remains available for first-time voters and those omitted from previous rolls.
