What are the new appointments of SROs by ECI for electoral roll revision?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- SROs appointed for electoral oversight
- Focus on inclusivity in electoral rolls
- Extended timelines to ensure thorough coverage
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Just a day after unveiling an updated timetable for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across six States and Union Territories, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Friday that it has designated Special Roll Observers (SROs) to oversee the SIR processes in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
The ECI stated that the SROs have commenced their duties and will be active in these states for two days each week until the final Electoral Rolls are published in February 2026.
As noted in the press release from the ECI, “SROs will meet with the state and district leadership of all National and State political parties.”
Additionally, SROs will participate in discussions with the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) of these states, either in person or via virtual means, ensuring that the entire process is executed in a seamless, transparent, and participatory manner.
The ECI emphasized, “SROs will monitor the SIR process to guarantee that no eligible voter is overlooked and that no ineligible individuals are included in the Electoral Rolls.”
Per the revised schedule released by the ECI on Thursday, the enumeration in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat is now set to conclude by December 14, with the draft rolls to be published on December 19.
For Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the enumeration is expected to continue until December 18, with the draft rolls scheduled for release on December 23.
In Uttar Pradesh, which boasts the largest electorate in the nation, the enumeration period has been extended until December 26, with draft roll publication set for December 31.
The initial timeline had established December 11 as the cutoff for enumeration across these six regions and December 16 for draft roll publication.
The Commission stated that this extension is intended to ensure comprehensive coverage and address administrative requests from the states.