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The Election Commission (EC) is leaving no stone unturned in its endeavor to ensure comprehensive voter registration in Bihar under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) program. With the deadline for submission of enumeration forms (EFs) fast approaching, the EC has directed booth level officers (BLOs) to individually contact the remaining electors to facilitate the completion and submission of their forms. This proactive measure underscores the EC's commitment to maximizing voter inclusion and ensuring the integrity of the electoral roll. The SIR program aims to update the voter list by accounting for deceased individuals, permanently shifted residents, and those enrolled at multiple locations. The fact that 91% of the electorate has already been covered is a testament to the effectiveness of the initial phases of the program and the diligent efforts of the BLOs. However, the EC recognizes the importance of reaching the remaining electors to achieve complete coverage. This last-mile push involves targeted outreach to individuals and households to address any barriers to participation. The directive to BLOs to personally contact electors highlights the EC's understanding of the diverse circumstances that may prevent individuals from submitting their forms. Some electors may lack access to technology, while others may be unaware of the process or require assistance in completing the forms. By providing individualized support, the BLOs can help overcome these challenges and ensure that every eligible voter is included in the electoral roll. The use of booth level agents by political parties to collect EFs further demonstrates the collaborative approach being adopted to maximize voter registration. These agents can play a crucial role in disseminating information, assisting electors with form completion, and ensuring that the forms are submitted on time. The involvement of political parties in the process underscores the shared responsibility for ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process. The Election Commission has also introduced a new online module that allows electors to check the status of their submitted enumeration forms. This initiative, accessible through ECINet and the EC's voters portal, promotes transparency and accountability by providing electors with real-time information about the progress of their registration. Electors can simply enter their EPIC number to verify whether their enumeration form has been accepted by the BLO. This feature empowers electors to take ownership of their registration and ensures that any discrepancies or issues can be addressed promptly. The online module also streamlines the process for both electors and election officials by reducing the need for manual inquiries and follow-ups. The EC’s emphasis on transparency builds trust in the electoral process and encourages greater participation from citizens. The deadline for submitting enumeration forms is July 25, and all electors who submit their forms by this date will be included in Bihar's draft electoral roll, which is scheduled to be published on August 1, 2025. The timeline provides ample opportunity for electors to complete and submit their forms and for the EC to process and verify the information. The publication of the draft electoral roll allows for public scrutiny and feedback, ensuring that any errors or omissions can be rectified before the final roll is prepared. The EC’s proactive approach to voter registration is a crucial step in strengthening democracy in Bihar. By ensuring that all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll, the EC promotes fairness, inclusivity, and representativeness in the electoral process. The efforts to reach out to the remaining electors, coupled with the introduction of the online status check module, demonstrate the EC's commitment to maximizing voter participation and upholding the integrity of the democratic process. This dedication to detail exemplifies best practices for election management, ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to be heard. The success of the SIR program in Bihar will not only enhance the quality of the electoral roll but also contribute to a more informed and engaged electorate. An accurate and up-to-date voter list is essential for conducting free and fair elections and for ensuring that the outcome reflects the will of the people. The Election Commission's concerted efforts to achieve this goal in Bihar are commendable and serve as a model for other states to emulate. The ongoing third round of household visits by approximately 100,000 BLOs further reinforces the commitment to inclusive registration. This dedicated workforce will revisit households where electors were temporarily absent during previous visits, ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind. Special camps have also been established in all 5,683 wards of 261 urban local bodies in Bihar, providing accessible registration points for residents. Newspaper advertisements are being used to raise awareness and encourage electors to fill out their EFs promptly. The BLOs are also actively encouraging electors to utilize online channels for registration, leveraging the ECINet app and the online form available on the official voters' portal. This multi-pronged approach, combining in-person outreach with digital accessibility, maximizes the opportunities for electors to participate in the voter registration process. The ECINet platform not only allows electors to fill out their EFs online but also provides access to the 2003 electoral roll, enabling them to search for their names and verify their registration status. Furthermore, the app facilitates direct communication with election officials, including BLOs, allowing electors to seek assistance and resolve any queries they may have. The integration of technology into the voter registration process streamlines the process, enhances transparency, and empowers electors to take control of their registration. By leveraging digital tools and innovative strategies, the Election Commission is demonstrating its commitment to modernizing the electoral process and making it more accessible and efficient for all citizens.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar represents a comprehensive and meticulously planned effort by the Election Commission of India to ensure that the state's electoral rolls are accurate, up-to-date, and inclusive. The program is not merely a procedural exercise but a fundamental pillar of democratic governance, aimed at upholding the principles of free and fair elections. The success of the SIR depends on a combination of factors, including the proactive engagement of election officials, the cooperation of political parties, and the active participation of citizens. The EC's decision to direct BLOs to individually contact remaining electors underscores the importance of personalized outreach in overcoming barriers to voter registration. This targeted approach recognizes that some individuals may face challenges in accessing information, completing forms, or navigating the online registration process. By providing individualized support, the BLOs can help ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The involvement of political parties in the SIR program is also crucial. By appointing booth level agents to assist with voter registration, political parties can contribute to a more comprehensive and inclusive electoral roll. These agents can play a vital role in disseminating information, answering questions, and ensuring that forms are completed accurately and submitted on time. The EC's emphasis on transparency is another key element of the SIR. The introduction of the online module that allows electors to check the status of their submitted enumeration forms is a significant step towards promoting accountability and building trust in the electoral process. By providing real-time information about the progress of their registration, electors are empowered to take ownership of their civic duty and ensure that their voices are heard. The EC’s commitment to making the electoral process more accessible and efficient is also evident in its efforts to leverage technology. The ECINet platform and the online form available on the official voters' portal provide electors with convenient and user-friendly options for registering to vote. These digital tools streamline the process, reduce the need for manual paperwork, and empower electors to manage their registration from the comfort of their homes. The SIR in Bihar is a complex undertaking that requires the coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders. The EC's leadership, the dedication of election officials, the cooperation of political parties, and the active participation of citizens are all essential for its success. By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that Bihar's electoral rolls are accurate, up-to-date, and inclusive, thereby strengthening the foundations of democracy in the state. The upcoming publication of the draft electoral roll in August 2025 will provide an opportunity for public scrutiny and feedback, ensuring that any errors or omissions can be rectified before the final roll is prepared. This process of continuous improvement is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard. The Election Commission's efforts in Bihar serve as a model for other states in India and around the world. By prioritizing voter registration, promoting transparency, and leveraging technology, the EC is setting a high standard for election management and strengthening the foundations of democracy.
Furthermore, the Election Commission's strategic use of diverse communication channels, including newspaper advertisements and online platforms, plays a pivotal role in maximizing voter awareness and participation. The newspaper advertisements serve as a traditional yet effective means of reaching a broad audience, particularly those who may not have access to digital media. These advertisements provide essential information about the SIR program, the importance of voter registration, and the steps that electors need to take to complete their enumeration forms. The use of online platforms, such as the ECINet app and the official voters' portal, complements the newspaper advertisements by providing a more interactive and accessible means of engaging with electors. These platforms offer a wealth of information, including detailed instructions on how to fill out the EFs, access to the 2003 electoral roll, and direct communication channels with election officials. The integration of technology into the communication strategy is particularly important for reaching younger voters and those who are more comfortable using digital media. The EC's efforts to promote online registration also help to streamline the process and reduce the need for manual paperwork. The EC's commitment to providing multiple channels for communication and registration ensures that all electors have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process, regardless of their access to technology or their preferred method of communication. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is not just about updating voter lists; it is about empowering citizens, promoting civic engagement, and strengthening the foundations of democracy. The EC's proactive and comprehensive approach demonstrates its unwavering commitment to these goals. The success of the SIR will have far-reaching implications for the future of democracy in Bihar and serve as an inspiration for other states and countries around the world. The lessons learned from the SIR can be applied to other electoral processes, such as delimitation exercises and voter education programs. By continuously improving its processes and leveraging technology, the Election Commission can ensure that elections remain free, fair, and inclusive for all citizens. The emphasis on voter registration is particularly important in developing countries, where many people may not have access to the information and resources they need to participate in the democratic process. By proactively reaching out to these individuals and providing them with the support they need, election officials can help to ensure that their voices are heard and that their votes count. The Election Commission's work in Bihar is a testament to the power of democracy and the importance of ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to participate in the political process. The ongoing efforts to update voter lists, promote transparency, and leverage technology are all essential for maintaining the integrity of elections and strengthening the foundations of democracy around the world. The commitment to reaching every eligible voter, providing them with the information they need, and ensuring that their votes are counted accurately is what makes democracy strong and vibrant. The dedication of the Election Commission and the cooperation of all stakeholders are essential for ensuring that the promise of democracy is fulfilled for all citizens.
Source: Bihar: Contact voters individually to complete forms under SIR - Election Commission