Will the Election Commission Finish the Bihar SIR Form Collection Before the Deadline?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Completion ahead of schedule is anticipated by the ECI.
- Over 3.7 crore forms have already been collected.
- Additional Booth Level Officers deployed to expedite the process.
- Significant volunteer support for vulnerable populations.
- Political parties are engaged in the form collection process.
New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) is optimistic about wrapping up the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar well ahead of the July 25 deadline, based on the progress noted as of 6 P.M. on Tuesday.
As per the ECI, a total of 3,70,77,077 Enumeration Forms, which accounts for 46.95 percent of the overall 7,89,69,844 (approximately 7.90 crore) electors in Bihar, have been collected since the initiative commenced on June 24.
In the initial two weeks, all 7.90 crore Enumeration Forms were printed, with over 97 percent (7,70,44,990) already distributed to eligible voters. Additionally, 18.16 percent of the gathered forms have been uploaded onto the ECINET platform.
A notable number of potential electors are opting to submit their Enumeration Forms accompanied by the necessary eligibility documents, as mandated by the SIR order dated June 24.
With 17 days still left, the priority now shifts to gathering the remaining 50 percent of the forms. In the past 24 hours (until 6 P.M. on Tuesday, July 8), 82,78,617 forms were collected — constituting 10.5 percent of the total in just one day.
“If this momentum persists, the collection phase could conclude substantially before the July 25 deadline,” the ECI asserted.
To expedite the process, an additional 20,603 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been assigned, increasing the total to 77,895. These BLOs have already completed the first of their three household visits, with the second round currently in progress.
Moreover, nearly 4 lakh volunteers, including government officials, NCC cadets, NSS members, and others, are aiding the elderly, differently-abled, and vulnerable populations in completing and submitting the forms.
The administrative framework is also fully operational, with Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) covering all 243 Assembly Constituencies and 963 Assistant EROs, along with 38 District Election Officers, and the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar supervising the ground process.
Recognized political parties are also actively participating, according to the ECI. District presidents have increased the appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs), with the current count at 1,56,626 — a rise from 1,38,680 at the start of the initiative. Political parties still have the opportunity to appoint additional BLAs under provision 25.2.1 of the Manual on Electoral Rolls.