The Election Commission of India (ECI) finally announced the much speculated second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Starting October 28, Phase 2 will cover 51 crore voters across 12 states and union territories. This includes states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal - which will go to polls in 2026.
Surprisingly, it looks like the ECI learnt some valuable lessons from Phase 1 of the exercise in Bihar with CEC Kumar insisting that Phase 2 is all about inclusion and not verification.
How is SIR Phase 2 different from Phase 1?
One of the first changes is at the very start - the enumeration stage. Not only has the form itself been redesigned, but also the process.
During Phase 1 in Bihar - electors registered after 2003, the year of the state’s last SIR, were asked to furnish documents proving their age and citizenship. This time, the enumerators will trace electors to the last SIR, by establishing a link through a parent or relative. At this stage, no documents are required.
Additionally, voters can link their names to any state’s last SIR - not just the one where they currently reside. This is because Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will have access to the last electoral revision of all states - a major departure from Bihar. For that exercise, the officers could only search within the state’s roll, making the process considerably tough.
Only if the elector does not feature in any of the previous SIRs do they have to furnish documents. Notices to prove eligibility will be issued to all such voters during the second stage - the claims-and-objections phase. What about new applicants, including those who have just turned 18? Their eligibility will be decided based on documents furnished during the second stage.
Most importantly, Phase 2 will be a whole lot more inclusive of all stakeholders.
Unlike the blitzkrieg that was Phase 1 - the poll panel will begin Phase 2 with meetings between Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and political parties in each state. The ECI hopes a detailed explanation of the process will ensure a smooth rollout culminating in the final electoral rolls being published in February next year.
