Impressive Progress: Bihar Sees Widespread Bihar Voter Form Submission in Electoral Roll Update

In a significant development for democratic participation, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that a remarkable three out of every four electors in Bihar have already submitted their enumeration forms as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. This impressive uptake, reaching 74.39% of the nearly 7.90 crore electors, highlights a robust engagement from the populace in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the state’s voter lists.

The comprehensive drive, which commenced on June 24, 2025, aims to meticulously update the electoral rolls. With just 14 days remaining until the submission deadline of July 25, 2025, the ECI expressed confidence that the exercise will be completed well within the stipulated timeframe, thanks to the tireless efforts of field functionaries and active public cooperation. The proactive participation in the Bihar voter form submission process underscores a collective commitment to a fair and representative democratic framework.

The Mechanism Behind Successful Bihar Voter Form Submission

The success of this extensive enumeration campaign can be attributed to a multi-pronged strategy implemented by the ECI. Booth Level Officers (BLOs), numbering 77,895 existing and an additional 20,603 newly appointed, are at the forefront, conducting rigorous house-to-house visits to assist electors and collect filled enumeration forms. This direct approach has been instrumental in facilitating the high rate of Bihar voter form submission.

Furthermore, field-level functionaries, including 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies, and 963 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), are diligently supervising the progress of the SIR. Their consistent oversight ensures that the process remains streamlined and efficient, fostering an environment conducive to seamless Bihar voter form submission.

Digitization and uploading of the collected enumeration forms are also progressing smoothly. As per Para 3(h) of the SIR guidelines, BLOs have successfully digitized and uploaded 3.73 crore enumeration forms through the BLO App/ECINet. A new module has been integrated into ECINet to enable AEROs and EROs to verify these uploaded forms, adding another layer of scrutiny and ensuring data accuracy in the Bihar voter form submission drive.

The Scale of Bihar Voter Form Submission

As of 6:00 PM on July 11, 2025, a staggering 5,87,49,463 enumeration forms have been collected, representing 74.39% of the total forms. This remarkable achievement has been accomplished in just 17 days since the issuance of the SIR instructions. The sheer volume of Bihar voter form submission within such a short period reflects the dedication of election machinery and the responsiveness of the electorate.

The ECI’s approach also involves significant volunteer support. Over 4 lakh volunteers are actively assisting elderly, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), sick, and vulnerable populations in navigating the Bihar voter form submission process. Complementing these efforts are 1.56 lakh proactive Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by all recognized political parties, who are playing a crucial role in mobilizing and guiding voters, further boosting the efficiency of Bihar voter form submission.

Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Inclusivity in Bihar Voter Form Submission

While the process has seen widespread success, there have been discussions and some political reactions regarding the SIR exercise. The ECI has consistently emphasized its unwavering dedication to Indian voters and the importance of maintaining pure electoral rolls for strengthening democratic processes. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has reiterated that a pure electoral roll is inevitable for a robust democracy, underscoring the necessity of exercises like the Bihar voter form submission.

The ECI has clarified that the instructions for SIR, issued on June 24, 2025, remain unchanged. The draft electoral roll, set to be published on August 1, 2025, will include the names of individuals whose enumeration forms are received by July 25, 2025. Electors have the flexibility to submit their documents at any time before this deadline. Furthermore, if any documents are found deficient after the draft roll’s publication, EROs can obtain them during the “claims and objections” period, ensuring no eligible voter is left out due to a technicality in the Bihar voter form submission.

The Commission has also highlighted that pre-filled enumeration forms have been distributed to a vast majority of electors. For those not in the 2003 electoral roll, submission of enumeration details and a declaration regarding citizenship status, with documentary proof, is required. The list of documents is indicative, not exhaustive, and EROs possess the authority to conduct field inquiries and make “speaking orders” for inclusions or exclusions, subject to a two-stage appellate process. This diligent framework ensures transparency and fairness throughout the Bihar voter form submission and revision process.

The extensive public engagement and the systematic efforts of the ECI machinery indicate a significant step towards a more accurate and comprehensive electoral roll in Bihar. The impressive rate of Bihar voter form submission is a testament to the collaborative spirit between the election authorities and the citizens, paving the way for strengthened democratic foundations in the state.