The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive, covering 16 states and three Union Territories, including Chandigarh. Under this drive, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit each household up to three times, carrying pre-filled enumeration forms to ensure accurate and updated electoral rolls.
Process for Residents
If a resident is not available during the first visit, the BLO will leave the enumeration form under the door and collect it during the next visit. Residents also have the option to fill the form online and download it. BLOs will carry Form No. 6 along with a declaration, enabling eligible young residents to register as voters.
Role of Booth Level Agents
A single Booth Level Agent (BLA) can submit up to 50 enumeration forms in one day during the enumeration phase. At the end of this phase, the BLO will share the “absent, shifted, deleted” list with the BLA. BLAs will be trained in the coming days to facilitate the process.
Assistance for Vulnerable Groups
The chief electoral officer (CEO) announced that help desks will be set up at various offices to assist the public, especially the ill, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and marginalised groups.
Background and Importance
During a meeting with political parties, UT chief electoral officer Prerna Puri stated that the last intensive revision in Chandigarh was carried out in 2002. Given rapid urbanisation, continuous migration, more citizens attaining the age of 18, delays in reporting deaths, and possible inclusion of ineligible foreign nationals, the revision has become essential to prepare an accurate and reliable electoral roll. The qualifying date for the SIR is July 1.
Transparency and Participation
The CEO assured that the process would follow ECI guidelines and timelines. The objective is to ensure inclusion of all eligible citizens, exclusion of ineligible names, and complete transparency in additions and deletions to the electoral roll. She also informed that 70% mapping has already been completed. Calling the SIR a participative exercise, she said it involves electors, political parties, and election officials. Political parties were urged to appoint BLAs for each polling booth to ensure transparency and active participation. Regular meetings will be held until the SIR is completed, and queries raised by party representatives were addressed.
Camps and Verification
Camps will be organised at all polling stations on Saturdays and Sundays. The CEO urged residents to verify their details from the previous SIR and share them with their respective BLOs for mapping purposes. Details of the previous SIR are available on the Voters’ Service Portal and the official website of the CEO, Chandigarh.
Contact and Assistance
For assistance, citizens may contact the Voter Helpline Number 1950 on working days or use the “Book a Call Request with BLO” feature on the ECINET mobile application.
