SIR Phase II: 5 Crore+ Voter Forms Distributed in One Day Across 9 States and 3 UTs

SIR Phase II: Over 5 Crore Voter Forms Distributed in One Day Across 9 States and 3 UTs.

In a massive push to update electoral rolls, the Election Commission (EC) reported that more than five crore voter forms were distributed in a single day as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine states and three Union territories.

According to the EC’s daily bulletin released on Thursday, a total of over 42 crore SIR forms have now been handed out in 12 states and UTs, covering roughly 82.7% of the 50.99 crore eligible voters in these regions. On Wednesday, the bulletin had noted that over 37 crore forms had been distributed by 3 pm.

Participating States and UTs

The SIR Phase II exercise is underway in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal are scheduled for elections in 2026. Assam, which also has elections due in 2026, will have its roll revision announced separately.

Timeline and Next Steps

Phase II began on November 4 and will continue until December 4. The draft electoral rolls are expected to be released on December 9, with final rolls scheduled for February 7, 2026.

To ensure inclusivity, the EC has clarified procedures after criticism from political parties like Trinamool Congress (West Bengal) and DMK (Tamil Nadu), who expressed concerns over possible disenfranchisement due to missing documents. Following Bihar’s exercise, Aadhaar cards have been added as indicative documents in all 12 states and UTs.

Electoral registration officers have been instructed to issue notices to voters whose previous SIR details are missing or inconsistent. Voters can submit supporting documents in different categories after form distribution if requested.

The EC said the initiative is a major step toward accurate and inclusive voter registration, ensuring that every eligible citizen can participate in upcoming elections.