EC Phase 3 of Electoral Roll Revision Begins May 30 Across 16 States, 3 UTs

EC Phase 3 of Electoral Roll Revision Begins May 30 Across 16 States, 3 UTs | Quick Digest
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the commencement of Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 16 states and three Union Territories, starting May 30, 2026. This exercise aims to ensure accurate and comprehensive voter lists nationwide. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh are excluded from this phase and will have their schedules announced later. The SIR is being conducted in coordination with the ongoing Census house-listing operations.

Key Highlights

  • Phase 3 of SIR starts May 30 in 16 states and 3 UTs.
  • Himachal Pradesh, J&K, and Ladakh excluded from this phase.
  • Coordination with Census house-listing operations is a key feature.
  • Over 3.94 lakh BLOs will conduct house-to-house visits.
  • Final electoral rolls publication dates vary by state.
  • The SIR aims to ensure accurate and updated voter lists.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the commencement of Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, set to begin on May 30, 2026. This crucial exercise will encompass 16 states and three Union Territories, aiming to ensure the accuracy and completeness of voter lists across the country. Notably, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been excluded from this particular phase, with their SIR schedules to be announced at a later date. This decision is attributed to the ongoing Census operations and prevailing weather conditions in the snow-bound regions of these territories. The schedule for Phase 3 has been meticulously planned in conjunction with the ongoing house-listing component of the Census. This coordination is intended to optimize the use of field machinery and resources, ensuring an efficient and streamlined process. The SIR exercise involves extensive house-to-house visits by over 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who will be assisted by approximately 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties. This participative approach aims to enhance transparency and ensure the full involvement of all stakeholders, including political parties and election officials. The SIR is a comprehensive revision process that goes beyond the regular Special Summary Revision (SSR), which typically involves additions and deletions. The intensive revision, last conducted in the early 2000s when electoral rolls were digitized, involves a fresh preparation of the electorate. The ECI has cited rapid urbanization and migration as key reasons for conducting this SIR, aiming to address potential duplicate entries and ensure that electoral rolls accurately reflect the current demographic landscape. The timelines for the house-to-house visits by BLOs vary across the states and Union Territories included in Phase 3. For instance, in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur, these visits will commence on May 30, 2026. In Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the exercise begins on June 4, 2026, followed by Uttarakhand on June 8, 2026. Other states like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Chandigarh will begin on June 15, 2026. Telangana and Punjab will start on June 25, 2026, while Karnataka, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi will commence on June 30, 2026. Nagaland and Tripura have the latest timelines, with final roll publication scheduled for November 22 and December 23, 2026, respectively. The publication of final electoral rolls will also vary by region. For example, in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur, the final rolls are expected by September 6, 2026. In Telangana and Punjab, this will be by October 1, 2026, and in Karnataka, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi, by October 7, 2026. The ECI has emphasized the importance of active participation from political parties in appointing BLAs to ensure the SIR is conducted with complete transparency. The previous phases of the SIR have involved a significant number of electors and BLOs/BLAs. Phase I was conducted between June and September 2025, starting with Bihar. Phase II began on October 27, 2025, covering nine states and three Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The exercise in earlier phases has resulted in a reduction in the total number of electors, with Phase II leading to a decrease of approximately 10.2% from over 50.99 crore to 45.81 crore electors. Concerns have been raised in the past regarding the SIR process, with some opposition parties labeling it a "backdoor attempt" to prepare a National Register of Citizens. However, the ECI maintains that the SIR is a routine electoral process aimed at ensuring the accuracy and integrity of voter lists, crucial for conducting free and fair elections. The exercise is mandated by law, and the ECI has the power to revise electoral rolls at any time for valid reasons. This Special Intensive Revision is a significant undertaking that aims to cleanse and update the electoral roll, ensuring that it accurately represents the eligible voter base of India. The coordination with the Census and the extensive fieldwork by BLOs underscore the ECI's commitment to maintaining robust and trustworthy electoral data. The varying timelines reflect the logistical complexities of conducting such a large-scale exercise across a diverse nation like India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to thoroughly verify and revise electoral rolls. It involves house-to-house enumeration, verification of old voter data, and ensuring that electoral rolls are accurate by removing deceased, permanently shifted, or duplicate voters, while adding eligible new ones.

When does Phase 3 of the SIR begin?

Phase 3 of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls begins on May 30, 2026.

Which states and Union Territories are included in Phase 3 of the SIR?

Phase 3 of the SIR covers 16 states and three Union Territories. However, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh are excluded from this phase and will have their schedules announced later.

Why is the SIR being conducted in coordination with the Census?

The SIR schedule is being fixed in view of the common field machinery with the ongoing house listing of the Census. This coordination aims to optimize the use of resources and ensure an efficient and streamlined process.

What is the role of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the SIR?

Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are responsible for conducting house-to-house visits to enumerate electors, verify details, and assist in the revision process. Over 3.94 lakh BLOs are involved in Phase 3 of the SIR.

Read Full Story on Quick Digest