EC orders special summary revision of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories

New Delhi: Amid widespread protests and legal disputes across the country over the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India has taken a major decision. The Commission has issued orders for a special summary revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories.

The aim of the revision is to add new voters to the rolls and update them by correcting errors relating to voters.

The exercise will be carried out in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Goa, Manipur, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In states and Union Territories where SIR is still under way or was completed recently, the SSR schedule will be announced separately later. The Commission's decision is being seen as important in view of the coming Assembly elections.

On the elections, the term of the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly ends in May 2027. The terms of the Assemblies of Punjab (117 seats), Uttarakhand (70 seats), Goa (40 seats) and Manipur (60 seats) also end in March 2027.

Those whose names were removed from the draft electoral roll have a chance to have them restored by furnishing proof. Even so, most voters appear indifferent. The second phase of SIR is under way in the district, and the administration faces a major difficulty in this phase. Notices were sent to those whose names were deleted and special camps were also held, yet voters are not responding. The booth level officers (BLOs) are left wondering how to complete the work.

States and Union Territories where SIR is under way or has recently ended, such as Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Delhi, have been kept out of the SSR. A person whose name was dropped in SIR should check the draft list. If the name is not there, the person should re-register by filling Form 6. Aadhaar and a birth certificate are required as proof. The ECI has indicated that an older certificate of the parents will no longer be sought in the SSR.

In Bihar, SIR was carried out between June and September 2025. The state earlier had 7.9 crore voters; after SIR the number fell to 7.41 crore, a reduction of 48 lakh names, and the matter remains in dispute. Now, in October 2026, Bihar again has 7.55 crore voters, meaning 14 lakh names have been added back.