New Voter Applicants In Bihar Must Provide Parents' SIR Details, Says Election Commission

The Election Commission (EC) has made it mandatory for new voter applicants in Bihar to provide details related to their parents' Special Intensive Revision (SIR) while applying for inclusion in the electoral rolls through Form 6. Election Commission officials said the requirement is intended to streamline the voter registration process by helping map electors more efficiently while reducing the number of supporting documents that applicants need to submit.

According to Election Commission officials, the requirement is not limited to existing voters who were not covered during the previous Special Intensive Revision. It also applies to individuals seeking to register as new voters in Bihar. The declaration regarding parents' SIR details was introduced during the Bihar SIR exercise rolled out in June last year, with new applicants required to submit it along with Form 6 for enrolment in the electoral rolls.

An Election Commission functionary said the declaration was introduced through administrative instructions rather than by formally amending Form 6. "Daily SIR bulletins of Bihar showed the form filled along with declarations," the official said. The functionary added that the declaration helps authorities map electors more effectively and reduces the documentation burden on applicants. Officials also noted that applicants using the online Form 6 portal cannot proceed with their registration unless the declaration is completed.

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The poll body has maintained that the Special Intensive Revision is aimed at ensuring electoral rolls remain accurate and up to date. According to Election Commission officials, the exercise seeks to include all eligible Indian citizens while identifying and removing duplicate entries, deceased voters, individuals who have shifted residence, those who are absent, and foreign nationals who may have been included in the rolls. Officials said the revision is intended to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process rather than restrict eligible voters.

The Election Commission has also defended the SIR exercise against criticism from international observers. Responding to concerns raised by United Nations Special Rapporteurs, the poll authority asserted that the revision process is transparent, constitutional, and has been endorsed by the Supreme Court. Officials rejected allegations that the exercise lacks transparency or disproportionately affects minority communities, including claims relating to electoral roll revisions in Nandigram, West Bengal.

Addressing allegations of large-scale deletion of minority voters, Election Commission officials said eligible voters had adequate opportunities to verify their details and challenge exclusions through the prescribed legal process. They denied any bias in the revision exercise and reiterated that the objective is to maintain accurate electoral rolls while safeguarding the voting rights of all eligible citizens. The latest clarification comes after UN Special Rapporteurs, in a recent communication to the Government of India, expressed concerns regarding the transparency of the Special Intensive Revision process. The Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is being conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions and established electoral procedures.

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