The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Enumeration Phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Odisha, marking one of the largest voter verification exercises in the state in recent years. The month-long drive began on May 30 and will continue until June 28, aiming to ensure clean, accurate, and inclusive electoral rolls ahead of future elections.
The revision exercise is being conducted simultaneously in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Manipur as part of a nationwide initiative ordered by the Election Commission under Article 324 of the Constitution and provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Over 3.34 Crore Voters to Be Verified in Odisha
Odisha has the largest electorate among the four states currently undergoing the revision process, with more than 3.34 crore registered voters. To execute the extensive verification exercise, the Election Commission has deployed 38,123 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) across the state.
The BLOs will conduct door-to-door visits to distribute and collect Enumeration Forms, verify voter information, and assist citizens in updating their electoral details. The process is also being supported by 8,391 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by recognized political parties.
Focus on Accurate and Inclusive Electoral Rolls
The primary objective of the Special Intensive Revision is to ensure that every eligible citizen is included in the voter list while removing inaccuracies and preventing the inclusion of ineligible names.
Election officials said the exercise will help update voter records, correct errors, remove duplicate entries, and facilitate the enrolment of newly eligible voters who have recently attained voting age.
Citizens can submit completed Enumeration Forms directly through BLOs or upload them online through the designated platform. To ensure maximum coverage, BLOs have been instructed to make repeated visits wherever necessary.
New Voters Can Register During the Drive
The Election Commission has also incorporated provisions for fresh voter enrolment. BLOs have been directed to carry Form-6 applications and declaration forms during field visits, enabling eligible but unregistered citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral rolls on the spot.
Officials clarified that all electors whose Enumeration Forms reach the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) on or before June 28 will be included in the draft electoral roll.
Those who miss the deadline will still have an opportunity to register during the claims and objections period by submitting the required forms and supporting documents.
Political Parties Given Expanded Role
To strengthen voter outreach and improve participation in the revision process, the Election Commission has expanded the role of Booth Level Agents. Recognized national and state political parties are now permitted to appoint additional BLAs, who can collect up to 50 forms per day from voters and submit them to BLOs before the publication of draft electoral rolls.
The move is expected to improve coordination between election authorities and political stakeholders while ensuring wider voter participation.
Electoral Roll Timeline
Following the completion of the enumeration phase on June 28, the draft electoral rolls will be published. Citizens will then be allowed to file claims and objections regarding additions, deletions, or corrections before the final electoral roll is prepared and released.
Election officials have appealed to residents across Odisha to cooperate with BLOs during household visits and submit their forms within the prescribed timeline to avoid any inconvenience.
The Election Commission believes that the Special Intensive Revision will strengthen electoral integrity, improve voter database accuracy, and ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote.
