Bhubaneswar, Aug. 16 – The Election Commission (EC) will launch a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Odisha starting next month, marking the first such exercise in 24 years. Preparations are underway to mobilize manpower for over 45,000 booths across the State, officials confirmed on Monday.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Odisha, R. S. Gopalan, said the revision would be conducted in addition to the annual Special Summary Revision (SSR). “The EC has directed all States to carry out the SIR. This year, voters will be required to fill out a form regarding their eligibility and submit supporting documents,” he explained.
Unlike previous revisions where Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) merely recorded voter presence, this year’s SIR will involve collection of enumeration forms directly from voters, ensuring stricter verification.
Mr. Gopalan further stated that 90% of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) in Odisha are already linked to Aadhaar, which is expected to significantly reduce duplication. “During routine revisions, around 7,000 EPIC numbers in Odisha were found to match voters outside the State. We have since issued new EPICs with updated numbers,” he said.
To manage the State-wide revision, the CEO confirmed that an additional 7,000 booths will be set up. “We currently have 38,000 booths. Mobilising the extra manpower should not be a problem as government employees, preferably teachers, will be engaged. In areas where Anganwadi workers have been handling revisions, they will continue,” he added.
The draft electoral roll is scheduled to be published on January 6. While the existing timeline for filing objections and vetting will remain unchanged, Mr. Gopalan said the EC may extend deadlines if necessary.
