New Delhi, November 30, 2025
In a move to bolster voter participation and accuracy ahead of upcoming polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the deadline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by seven days across 12 states and Union Territories. The decision, announced on Sunday, pushes the final submission date for enumeration forms to December 11, providing much-needed breathing room for millions of eligible voters to update or add their names to the lists.
The SIR exercise, a comprehensive door-to-door verification drive, aims to clean up and expand electoral rolls by identifying deletions, additions, and corrections. Originally set to conclude form distribution and claims on December 4, the revised timeline now includes the draft electoral roll's release on December 16, with the final publication shifted to February 14, 2026—previously February 7. This extension applies uniformly to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
ECI officials cited the need for greater inclusivity and to address administrative hurdles as key reasons for the extension. "This adjustment ensures that no eligible voter is left out due to time constraints, enhancing the integrity of the electoral process," a senior commission spokesperson stated, emphasizing the drive's role in preventing disenfranchisement. The revision is particularly crucial in these regions, where upcoming assembly elections could hinge on accurate voter turnout.
Voter rights advocates have welcomed the change as a "timely relief," especially for first-time voters and marginalized communities often overlooked in rushed processes. Social media buzz has been positive, with users on X (formerly Twitter) sharing tips on Form 6 submissions for new registrations. One prominent post read: "Finally, some sense! Now my family can get their names added without the last-minute scramble. #VoterRights." However, some critics argue that repeated extensions signal deeper logistical issues in ECI's implementation.
This isn't the first such adjustment; earlier in November, similar pleas from state administrations led to localized tweaks. With India's general elections not due until 2029, the focus remains on state-level polls, where voter list discrepancies have historically sparked disputes. The ECI has urged citizens to visit booth-level officers or use the Voter Helpline app for seamless updates, underscoring that the extended window is a one-time opportunity to fortify democracy's foundation.
As the December chill sets in, this extension offers a warmer prospect: a more representative electorate, ready to cast ballots without the fog of exclusion.
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