Got SIR notice over unmapped or logical discrepancies? EC explains what to do next

During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, if you have been notified due to being classified as “unmapped” or having “logical discrepancies,” you typically won't need to meet personally with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Instead, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit your home to gather necessary documents, which will then be uploaded to the ECINet portal for the ERO to review.

The ECI clarified that personal hearings are only necessary in exceptional circumstances, as decided by the ERO, and will likely be conducted online if required. The Commission announced that facilities for online hearings will be improved, and electors can authorize a family member to attend the hearing on their behalf if needed.

The ECI made these changes after a meeting of the full Commission at Nirvachan Sadan, attended by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other Election Commissioners. District Election Officers have been instructed to establish help desks or hold special camps to assist individuals living in night shelters, laborers, the poor, and homeless.

The use of the declaration attached to Form 6 during the SIR has been affirmed by the Supreme Court, while non-SIR forms will be used afterward. The Commission is also reviewing its ECINet system, with a committee headed by a senior deputy election commissioner to ensure compliance with Acts and Rules. The ECI stated that any additional flexibility for field officers will be implemented as needed.

All new IT-related initiatives will be discussed in the Committee of Officers before being approved by the Commission.