ECI Meets Political Parties to Review Special Intensive Revision Drive in Bihar

In a significant development aimed at reinforcing voter inclusion and transparency, the Election Commission of India (ECI) held a detailed consultative meeting with representatives of various political parties at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

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🏛️ Participating Political Parties

The meeting witnessed the participation of delegates from key national and regional parties, including:

• Indian National Congress (INC)

• Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)

• Samajwadi Party (SP)

• Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)

• Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar faction

• Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)

• Communist Party of India (CPI)

• CPI (Marxist)

• CPI (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation

• Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction)

These parties raised concerns and sought clarifications on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of electoral rolls in Bihar.

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📋 Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A Three-Phase Inclusion Drive

The ECI explained that the SIR in Bihar is proceeding in a structured and phased manner with the objective of including all eligible citizens into the Electoral Roll.

Phase 1: Enumeration Form Distribution (June 25 – July 3, 2025)

• Enumeration Forms (EFs) are being printed and distributed to approximately 7.90 crore electors in Bihar.

• 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are delivering pre-filled forms based on existing voter records (as of June 23, 2025).

• An additional 20,603 BLOs have been appointed to strengthen field outreach.

• EFs are also downloadable on the ECI portal.

• Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties may submit up to 50 certified forms per day.

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Phase 2: Form Submission and Support (Before July 25, 2025)

• Electors will submit filled forms with relevant documents.

• A volunteer network of nearly 4 lakh, including government officials, NCC cadets, and NSS members, will assist in form filling—particularly for the elderly, PwDs, the poor, and vulnerable groups.

• Required documentation is based on the applicant’s date of birth, and cross-verified with the Electoral Roll of January 1, 2003.

Documentation Guidelines:

• Born before July 1, 1987: Only self-document needed

• Born between July 1, 1987 – Dec 2, 2004: Document of self + one parent

• Born after Dec 2, 2004: Document of self + both parents

• If both parents' names are in the 2003 Electoral Roll, no documents are required for parents.

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Phase 3: Data Collection & Upload (June 25 – July 26, 2025)

• BLOs will collect completed forms along with self-attested documents.

• BLOs will upload the data through BLO App/ECINET.

• Acknowledgement receipts will be issued to electors.

• Physical forms will be submitted to respective Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant EROs (AEROs).

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🔍 Transparency & Accountability Measures

• 1.55 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties are participating actively, making the process more inclusive and transparent.

• CEC Gyanesh Kumar encouraged political parties to appoint more BLAs to maximize outreach and citizen support.

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🧭 Conclusion: A Citizen-Centric Electoral Overhaul

The ECI’s structured SIR initiative in Bihar demonstrates a renewed focus on data-driven inclusion, transparency, and technological facilitation. With door-to-door distribution, real-time data collection, and strong volunteer participation, the exercise reflects the Commission’s commitment to a cleaner, verified, and accessible Electoral Roll ahead of future elections.

This initiative is not just administrative—it is a civic movement aimed at empowering every eligible Indian to vote. The cooperation of political parties, civil society, and technology platforms will be crucial in ensuring its success.

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