Election Commission's announcement of a fresh phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 states and UTs marks a major expansion of the exercise first tested in Bihar earlier this year. The new round, covering about 510 mn electors, will involve house-to-house verification through November and December, followed by publication of draft rolls in December and final rolls in February 2026. The poll panel has eased some procedural burdens - no documents are needed at the enumeration stage - and expanded the list of valid identity proofs to 13, including Aadhaar.
Yet, SIR has drawn sharp criticism from experts, political parties and civil society. Concerns range from the risk of disenfranchising marginalised groups, and the burden of proof has shifted to voters, particularly migrants and the poor who may lack older documents. Others see SIR as creeping towards a citizenship verification drive, raising fears of a 'hidden NRC (National Register of Citizens)' in some states. In Bihar, deletions reportedly outnumbering additions fuelled apprehensions that the process could be used to manipulate voter lists rather than merely update them.
That said, updating electoral rolls is essential. Many states still carry outdated names, duplicate entries and records of deceased voters. The rolls must evolve with shifting populations and migration flows if they are to reflect a living democracy. But for SIR to build trust instead of suspicion, its own machinery must be improved: clearer safeguards, transparent verification steps and fair opportunities for redress are key. Ultimately, EC's credibility depends as much on how the list is revised as on what it contains. Clean rolls are vital. But so is a clean, credible process.
Yet, SIR has drawn sharp criticism from experts, political parties and civil society. Concerns range from the risk of disenfranchising marginalised groups, and the burden of proof has shifted to voters, particularly migrants and the poor who may lack older documents. Others see SIR as creeping towards a citizenship verification drive, raising fears of a 'hidden NRC (National Register of Citizens)' in some states. In Bihar, deletions reportedly outnumbering additions fuelled apprehensions that the process could be used to manipulate voter lists rather than merely update them.
That said, updating electoral rolls is essential. Many states still carry outdated names, duplicate entries and records of deceased voters. The rolls must evolve with shifting populations and migration flows if they are to reflect a living democracy. But for SIR to build trust instead of suspicion, its own machinery must be improved: clearer safeguards, transparent verification steps and fair opportunities for redress are key. Ultimately, EC's credibility depends as much on how the list is revised as on what it contains. Clean rolls are vital. But so is a clean, credible process.
