Bihar SIR of Electoral Rolls

Syllabus Areas:

GS II - Polity and Governance

Prelims

On August 1, 2025, the Election Commission (EC) published the draft electoral roll for Bihar after the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. 65 lakh names have been removed compared to the pre-SIR voter list.

Concerns raised:

  • Large-scale deletions may disproportionately impact certain communities (notably in Muslim-majority districts as per 2011 Census).
  • The fate of voters who submitted forms without required documents is uncertain.

The matter is being heard in the Supreme Court (next hearing: August 12) after petitions by political parties and civil society groups.

What is SIR?

  • Special Intensive Revision: An enhanced voter list update process involving house-to-house verification, document checks, and detailed scrutiny.
  • Bihar’s SIR 2025 launched on June 24.
  • Voters not on 2003 rolls had to prove birth details of self and parents using EC-approved 11 documents (excluded Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card).
  • After low compliance, EC allowed submission without documents, leaving final decision to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) based on field inquiries.

 Key Facts from Draft Roll (Aug 1, 2025)

  • 65 lakh names removed:
    • 34 lakh deceased.
    • 28 lakh migrated/untraceable.
    • 01 lakh duplicate entries.
  • Patna: highest deletions (95 lakh).
  • July 13 EC statement: Many non-citizens (Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar) found during verification.
  • The Hindu analysis: Drop includes 31 lakh women and 25 lakh men— unusual since male migration is typically higher.

Process for Adding/Removing Names

  • Claims & Objections (August 2025):
    • Any voter or party can file corrections.
    • EROs must resolve within 7 days.
    • Daily public display of claims for transparency.
  • For undocumented applicants:
    • EROs/AEROs conduct field checks.
    • If eligibility is doubtful, a notice is issued before deletion.
    • Final decision must be via a speaking order (reasoned written order).
Bihar SIR of Electoral Rolls

Issues & Concerns

  • Possible disenfranchisement of legitimate voters, especially vulnerable groups.
  • Exclusion of common ID documents (Aadhaar, voter ID) from proof list caused confusion.
  • Gender imbalance in deletions could signal systemic bias or flawed verification.
  • Minority impact – Higher deletions in Muslim-populated districts raise fairness concerns.
  • Transparency gap – Removed names list with reasons not shared fully with political parties.
  • Timing & trust – Close to elections, deletions could affect public trust in EC.

Way Forward:

  • Inclusivity in verification: Accept commonly held documents (Aadhaar, ration card) to avoid wrongful exclusion.
  • Greater transparency: Publish reasons for each deletion; involve all political stakeholders.
  • Technology integration: Link electoral rolls with authenticated databases (while safeguarding privacy).
  • Gender-sensitive approach: Special checks where female voters are disproportionately affected.
  • Awareness campaigns: Public outreach before and during claims & objections phase.
  • Legal safeguards: Strengthen procedural checks to prevent mass wrongful deletions.

Prelims Questions:

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
  1. It is a constitutional body established under Article 324.
  2. It is responsible for preparing electoral rolls for both Parliament and State Legislatures.
  3. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in the same manner as a High Court judge.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
2. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which of the following is/are correct?
  1. The electoral roll for each constituency is prepared by the Election Commission in consultation with the President.
  2. No person shall be entitled to be registered in more than one constituency.
  3. Any correction, inclusion, or deletion in the electoral roll can be made only after the final list is published.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 2 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
3. Consider the following provisions:
  1. Article 326 – Elections to the House of the People and Legislative Assemblies to be on the basis of adult suffrage.
  2. Article 325 – No person to be ineligible for inclusion in electoral rolls on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex.
  3. Article 327 – Parliament has power to make laws with respect to elections.
Which of the above are correctly matched?
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Mains Question:

  • “Mass deletion of voter names during electoral roll revision raises concerns over democratic inclusivity and transparency. Critically examine the safeguards required to ensure fairness in such processes.” 250 Words 15 Marks