Bengal, UP, Tamil Nadu on list as voter roll revision SIR begins in 12 states, UTs: Here's what that means on the ground

THe Election charge of republic of india (EC) has proclaimed a nationwide Special Intensive rescript (SIR) of elector rolls starting October 28, and planned to conclude by February 7, 2026.It will start with 12 states and union territories in what is being seen as Phase 2 of SIR. The SIR held in Bihar recently was Phase 1, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar announced. Follow LIVE updates.List of 12 states and UTs covered in SIR starting Oct 28Andaman and NicobarChhattisgarhGoaGujaratKeralaLakshadweepMadhya PradeshPuducherryRajasthanTamil NaduUttar PradeshWest BengalAlso read | SIR expands to more states, UTs after Bihar: Here's a step-by-step guide The last SIR was held over two decades ago, Gyanesh Kumar said at the Monday press conference in New Delhi. He said SIR has been carried out eight times between 1951 and 2004.As first step that begins immediately voters in these states will be matched against the 2002/03/04 voting lists.Key dates for SIR in 12 states/UTsPrinting/Training: October 28 to November 3House to house enumeration phase: November 4 to December 4Publication of draft electoral rolls: December 8Claims and objection period: December 9 to January 8, 2026Notice phase: December 9 to January 31, 2026Publication of final electoral rolls: February 7, 2026At the pre-eumeration stage, enumeration forms for this will be filled out by booth-level officers (BLOs) who will go door-to-door at least thrice for each voter. Those temporarily having migrated, or busy during office hours, can fill these details online by themselves.“SIR will ensure no eligible elector is left out and no ineligible elector is included in poll rolls,” CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.Those who are found — or their parents are — in the 2003 rolls need not give further proofs; only the enumeration form would do. You can look through the 2003 (in come cases 2002 or 2004) rolls on the respective state/UT's election website.Aadhaar will only be used as identity proof, as per directions of the Supreme Court that came during the Bihar SIR.Proofs include the following (list indicative, EC can expand):Any Identity card/Pension Payment Order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any central/state govt/PSUAny Identity Card/Certificate/Document issued in India by Government/local authorities/Banks/Post Office/LIC/PSUs prior to 01.07.1987.Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority.PassportMatriculation/educational certificate issued by recognised boards/universitiesPermanent residence certificate issued by competent state authorityForest rights certificateOBC/SC/ST or any caste certificate issued by the competent authorityNational Register of Citizens (wherever it exists)Family register prepared by state/local authoritiesAny land/house allotment certificate by governmentAadhaar (for identity only)