Bihar’s Electoral Roll Triumph: 7.23 Crore Electors Embrace the SIR Process with Confidence

Patna, Bihar – In a significant stride towards strengthening democratic foundations, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the overwhelming success of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. A staggering 7.23 crore electors across the state have actively participated in the Bihar SIR process, expressing profound faith in the meticulous exercise designed to purify the voter list. This robust engagement marks a pivotal moment for electoral integrity in the state, ensuring a more accurate and representative democratic process.

Understanding the Bihar SIR Process: A Comprehensive Overview

The Bihar SIR process, initiated by the Election Commission, is a rigorous and comprehensive drive aimed at updating and cleaning the electoral rolls. This special intensive revision is crucial for removing discrepancies such as deceased voters, duplicate entries, and individuals who have permanently migrated, while simultaneously ensuring that all eligible citizens are included. The sheer scale of participation underscores the public’s commitment to a credible electoral system.

• Massive Participation: Out of Bihar’s approximately 7.89 crore registered voters, 99.8% have been covered so far in the Bihar SIR process. This remarkable figure highlights the extensive outreach and public cooperation.
• Digitization Efforts: Forms from 7.23 crore electors have already been received and digitized, paving the way for their inclusion in the Draft Electoral Roll. The remaining forms, along with Booth Level Officer (BLO) reports, are expected to be fully digitized by August 1, 2025.
• Collaborative Approach: The success of the initial phase of the Bihar SIR process is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. This includes the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar, 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), 243 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 2,976 Assistant EROs, and BLOs deployed at 77,895 polling booths. Volunteers and all 12 major political parties, along with their 38 District Presidents and 1.60 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), have also played a crucial role.

Key Findings and Data from the Bihar SIR Process

The ongoing Bihar SIR process has yielded critical insights into the state of the electoral rolls, enabling a more precise and authentic voter database.

• Identification of Discrepancies: The revision has identified significant discrepancies:
  • Approximately 21.6 lakh deceased electors.
  • Around 31.5 lakh electors who have permanently migrated.
  • About 7 lakh electors found to be registered at more than one location.
  • Roughly 1 lakh electors who are untraceable.
• Unreceived Forms: Despite extensive door-to-door visits by BLOs and BLAs, enumeration forms from fewer than 7 lakh electors are yet to be received.
• Draft Electoral Roll Publication: The draft electoral roll is scheduled for publication on August 1, 2025. Printed and digital copies will be provided to all 12 registered political parties in the state.
• Claims and Objections Period: As per the SIR order, a crucial window for claims and objections will be open from August 1 to September 1, 2025. During this period, any elector or political party can submit prescribed forms to the ERO for the inclusion of eligible left-out electors or file objections for the removal of ineligible ones.

The ECI’s Stance: Purity of Elections through the Bihar SIR Process

The Election Commission has steadfastly defended the Bihar SIR process amidst some concerns raised by opposition parties. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasized that allowing ineligible individuals, such as the deceased or those who have migrated, to remain on the voter list goes against the spirit of the Constitution. The ECI views this exercise as fundamental to safeguarding the integrity of electoral rolls and upholding the purity of elections.

• Constitutional Mandate: The ECI asserts its constitutional duty to maintain accurate voter lists, citing Article 326 read with Sections 16 and 19 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which outlines the qualifications for being an elector.
• Identity Verification: While Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are not mandatory for inclusion, they are being utilized in a limited capacity for identity verification during the SIR-2025 exercise, as directed by the Supreme Court.
• Transparency: The Commission has proactively shared lists of electors who have not filled forms, are deceased, or have permanently migrated with all recognized political parties to ensure transparency and allow for verification and objection.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger Democratic Future for Bihar

The completion of the Bihar SIR process in its initial phases, with such high levels of public engagement, signifies a positive outlook for the upcoming elections in the state. The meticulous data cleaning and verification will lead to a more credible and fair electoral environment. The subsequent period for claims and objections will further refine the electoral rolls, ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote, fostering a truly representative governance. The commitment shown by both the Election Commission and the citizens of Bihar in this vital exercise sets a commendable precedent for electoral reforms nationwide.