ECI clarifies SIR schedule had unanimous approval, letter to Cabinet Secy was not policy-related
The Election Commission of India clarifies that SIR schedules were unanimously approved and addresses recent reports regarding internal disagreements.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a formal clarification on Saturday, addressing recent reports regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and internal administrative communications. The Commission emphasized that all decisions regarding the SIR schedules were made with unanimous approval and clarified the nature of a recent letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary.
Unanimous Approval for SIR Schedules
Addressing reports suggesting internal dissent, the ECI stated that the Special Intensive Revision process across various States and Union Territories was initiated with the full consensus of the Commission. According to a press note released following a Commission meeting, the rollout followed a structured timeline:
- June 24, 2025: The initial order for all States/UTs was issued, beginning with Bihar and West Bengal, followed by 30 other regions.
- October 27, 2025: The schedule for 12 States and Union Territories was released.
- May 14, 2026: The schedule for the remaining 19 States and Union Territories was issued.
The Commission noted that these decisions have been upheld by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in an order dated May 27, 2026. Currently, the SIR process has been completed in 20 States and Union Territories. The final number of electors will only be determined after the final publication in the remaining 12 states under Phase-III.
Clarification on Cabinet Secretary Correspondence
The ECI also addressed a specific point regarding a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary, which had drawn scrutiny. The Commission clarified that the correspondence was strictly an administrative matter concerning an officer on deputation to the ECI and did not involve any policy decisions of the poll body or its IT division.
"The letter to the Cabinet Secretary was not related to any policy matter of the Commission or IT division but related to working of an officer on deputation to the ECI," the ECI stated in its press note. The Commission further explained that certain work redistribution orders issued by the officer in question were never actually implemented following orders from two Commissioners, and the oversight of the IT division by the Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) remained intact.
Provisions for Electors and Field Verification
To ensure accuracy during the ongoing SIR, the ECI announced that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct home visits for electors who received notices due to being unmapped or having logical discrepancies in their records. This is intended to facilitate the collection of necessary documents.
Key details regarding the verification process include:
- Online Hearings: In exceptional circumstances, as decided by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), hearings may be conducted online.
- Representation: An elector may authorize any adult family member to attend a hearing on their behalf if required.
- Support for Vulnerable Groups: District Election Officers (DEOs) have been directed to establish help desks and special camps specifically for labourers, the homeless, and those living in night shelters.
System Reviews and Deadline Extensions
In a move to bolster technological integrity, the ECI announced that a committee—comprising a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT—will review the ECINet system. This review aims to ensure strict compliance with electoral laws and rules.
Additionally, the Commission has granted extensions for certain regions. In Delhi, following a request from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the deadline for filing claims and objections has been extended to October 30, 2026, with the period for disposal of notices extended to November 30, 2026.