New Delhi: To further strengthen the roots of democracy in India, the Election Commission has launched a special campaign called Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0.
Senior journalist Manoj Tibrewal Aakash, in his special show ‘The MTA Speaks,’ explained how this is not just an administrative process but a national civic exercise aimed at ensuring that every eligible citizen of the country is not deprived of the right to vote.
What is SIR 2.0, and why is it important?
Every year, the Election Commission conducts a general revision of the electoral roll, but this time the process is being carried out as a “Special Intensive Revision.”
The objective of SIR 2.0 is to remove the names of deceased or relocated voters, eliminate duplicate entries, and add young people who have attained the age of 18 to the voter list.
According to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, this is the ninth special revision campaign in India since independence.
The first phase was completed in Bihar, while the second phase is now underway in 12 states and union territories: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
Campaign Process and Timeline
This campaign will run from October 28, 2025, to February 7, 2026, and the final electoral roll will be published on February 7, 2026. During this period, BLOs (Booth Level Officers) will visit every house three times. The first visit will be between November 4 and December 4.
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They will collect information from families about who resides there, who has moved out, and who has become a newly eligible voter. Three forms will be used for adding or correcting voter names:
Form 6 – To add a new name
Form 7 – To remove the name of a deceased or relocated person
Form 8—To correct any errors
There are three ways to fill out these forms:
Online (Voter Helpline App or ECI website)
Offline (Submitting directly to the BLO)
Special Camps (organized in every assembly constituency)
Required Documents and Verification Process
For voter registration, a voter ID or Aadhaar card is valid as proof of identity.
For proof of address, a passport, government certificate, pension payment order, birth certificate, LIC or bank certificate, or permanent residence certificate can be submitted.
In rural areas, a ration card or bank passbook is also considered valid.
Benefits of SIR 2.0
Accuracy of the voter list: Complaints such as “name missing” or “incorrect address” will now be reduced.
Prevention of fraudulent voting: The removal of deceased and duplicate names will make elections more transparent.
Empowerment of youth: New voters will be added, increasing participation in democracy.
Administrative convenience: Accurate booth-wise lists will make the management of election resources easier.
Strengthening of democracy: An accurate voter list is the first condition for transparent elections.
Potential Challenges and the Commission’s Preparedness
Some challenges may arise, such as technical difficulties, shortage of BLOs, and unavailability of documents. However, the Commission has assured that no eligible citizen will be left out.
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Every person will get three opportunities to register their name—BLO’s visit, online application, and the claims and objections phase.
Democracy will reach every voter
SIR 2.0 is not just an administrative exercise but an effort to further strengthen India’s democracy. Now it is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure their name is on the voter list, correct any errors, and create awareness among new voters.
Because an accurate voter list is the foundation of transparent elections and transparent elections are the true strength of democracy.