One Year of Special Intensive Revision (SIR): 6 crore Voters Deleted, Rolls Cut by 10.2% Across 19 States

Overview The SIR exercise, launched by the ECI , has completed its first year. Over the past twelve months, nearly 6 crore voter names have been deleted, sparking a political debate between the opposition parties and the poll authority. Key Developments Pilot SIR began in Bihar on June 24, 2025 ahead of the state assembly polls. Post‑pilot, Bihar’s voter list was pruned by 65 lakh entries amid opposition claims of partisan bias. In March 2026, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutional validity of the SIR under the Representation of the People Act . States such as West Bengal and Bihar have linked the cleaned‑up rolls to social‑security schemes, excluding deleted names from welfare benefits. The second phase, announced on October 27, 2025 , covered 12 states and union territories, removing 10.2 % of entries – a drop from 50.99 crore to 45.81 crore voters. More than 66,88,636 deceased electors were removed, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for the highest number ( 25.47 lakh ). Additional 63.16 lakh names were deleted after objections and adjudication. The third phase, launched on May 14, 2026 , involves 16 states and three union territories, affecting 36.73 crore voters and is slated to finish later in 2026. Important Facts • Total voters removed in the first two phases: ~10 crore (≈10.2 %). • Deceased voters removed: 66.88 lakh . • Names deleted after objections: 63.16 lakh . • States with the highest deletions: Uttar Pradesh (25.47 lakh) and West Bengal (24.16 lakh). UPSC Relevance The electoral roll is a cornerstone of India’s democratic process. Understanding the legal basis (the Representation of the People Act ) and the role of the ECI helps answer questions on electoral reforms, voter disenfranchisement, and the balance of power between institutions and political parties. The inclusion of SIR in NCERT textbooks also signals its importance for civic education. Way Forward • Strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms to address objections swiftly and transparently. • Ensure that deletion of names does not inadvertently cut off access to welfare schemes; link roll‑purification with robust verification processes. • Continue public awareness campaigns about the need for accurate voter data and the documentation required to retain enrolment. • Monitor the impact of the third phase on voter turnout and representation, especially in marginalised regions.