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12 July 2026

Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is a core function of the Election Commission of India, directly impacting the integrity of the electoral process and raising significant questions regarding transparency, inclusivity, and the use of technology in governance.

2 min read Day 20 of 76 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an ongoing exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to update voter lists.
  • The third phase of SIR covers Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, and the U.T. of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
  • Approximately 23.82 lakh names (6.39% of the total 3.72 crore electors) were deleted in the draft rolls across these regions.
  • Primary reasons for deletion include: untraceable voters (booth level officer verification), permanent shifting, death, and enrolment at multiple places.
  • Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu recorded the highest deletion rate (30%), while Mizoram recorded the lowest (5.2%).
  • Odisha recorded the highest absolute number of deletions (20.12 lakh).
  • The process allows a one-month window for citizens to submit claims and objections regarding the draft rolls.
  • Final electoral rolls for these regions are scheduled for publication on September 11.
  • UN Special Rapporteurs have raised concerns regarding the transparency and inclusivity of the SIR process, citing potential exclusion of minority groups.
  • Concerns raised by international bodies include the use of AI-driven systems, the adequacy of the appeals process, and the potential for systemic exclusion.

Part of a longer story

This is day 20 of 76 in Election Commission of India electoral roll revision exercises, which has been running since 21 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process in India. What are the institutional mechanisms available to address grievances during such revisions? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
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  2. The Election Commission of India plays a pivotal role in ensuring free and fair elections. In light of concerns regarding the transparency of electoral roll revisions, analyze the challenges faced by the ECI in balancing administrative efficiency with the constitutional mandate of inclusive electoral participation. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following is the primary authority responsible for the revision and maintenance of electoral rolls in India?

  2. What is the primary purpose of the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) of electoral rolls?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-12/special-intensive-revision-of-electoral-rolls