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7 January 2026|The Indian Express
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Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Draft SIR 2.0: Electoral Roll Deletions in Nine States, UTs

Draft SIR 2.0 reveals significant voter roll deletions across multiple states/UTs.

Background Context

The concept of electoral roll purification has deep roots in the history of democratic elections. Initially, voter lists were often rudimentary and prone to manipulation. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, laid the foundation for systematic electoral roll preparation and maintenance. Over the decades, various amendments and technological advancements have aimed to improve the accuracy and integrity of voter lists. The introduction of photo electoral rolls, EPIC (Elector's Photo Identity Card), and now digital databases have been crucial milestones. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has consistently strived to eliminate duplicate registrations, address demographic changes, and ensure that only eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls. This continuous process is essential for upholding the principles of free and fair elections.

The draft Special Summary Revision (SIR) 2.0 indicates that 13% of electors have been deleted across nine states and three Union Territories. This revision aims to update and purify electoral rolls. The deletions are attributed to various reasons, including deaths, migration, and duplicate registrations. The Election Commission is focusing on ensuring accurate and up-to-date voter lists to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Key Facts

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Elector deletions: 13% in 9 states, 3 UTs

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Reason: Deaths, migration, duplicate registrations

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed increased scrutiny and efforts to leverage technology for electoral roll management. The linking of Aadhaar with voter IDs, though voluntary, has been promoted to curb duplicate registrations. The ECI has also focused on using data analytics and GIS mapping to identify discrepancies and anomalies in voter lists. Furthermore, there's been a growing emphasis on engaging with civil society organizations and local communities to verify voter information and address grievances. Looking ahead, the ECI is expected to further enhance its digital infrastructure and explore innovative solutions like blockchain technology to ensure the security and transparency of electoral data. The focus will likely remain on continuous updating and purification of electoral rolls to maintain the credibility of the electoral process.

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