The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a one-week extension of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, citing field-level delays and logistical challenges in the enumeration and verification process. The move is aimed at ensuring comprehensive coverage and accuracy of the electoral rolls ahead of forthcoming elections.

Under the revised timeline, the enumeration drive and polling-station rationalisation, which were originally scheduled to conclude by December 4, 2025, will now continue until December 11, 2025. This extension provides additional time for field officials to reach remote areas, verify forms, and update voter details, addressing gaps that had emerged in the initial phase of the SIR.

Revised Timeline for Draft Roll Publication and Claims
Following the extended enumeration period, the preparation of the control table and associated work on the draft electoral roll will take place from December 12 to December 15. The draft roll is now slated to be published on December 16, compared to the earlier schedule which had envisaged draft publication around December 9.

The period for filing claims and objections has also been adjusted in line with the revised schedule. Previously set to close on January 8, the window will now remain open until January 15, allowing citizens additional time to raise objections, add missing names, or correct details in the voter list. This ensures that the final rolls reflect the most accurate and inclusive representation of eligible voters.

Verification, Scrutiny, and Final Roll Publication
The verification and disposal of claims and objections, initially scheduled to conclude by January 31, will now extend to February 7, 2026. State authorities are required to complete health checks of the electoral rolls and obtain necessary clearances for publication by February 10. Subsequently, the final electoral rolls will be published on February 14, a full week later than the original target of February 7.

The extension affects 12 States and Union Territories, including:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Chhattisgarh
• Goa
• Gujarat
• Kerala
• Lakshadweep
• Madhya Pradesh
• Puducherry
• Rajasthan
• Tamil Nadu
• Uttar Pradesh
• West Bengal

Reasons for Extension
The Commission’s decision follows consistent feedback from field units since the SIR began. Several districts reported delays in form collection, verification, and other administrative processes, which threatened to compromise the accuracy and completeness of the electoral rolls. By extending the schedule, the ECI aims to ensure that all eligible voters are included and any discrepancies or omissions are addressed.

Instructions to Field Units
The ECI has circulated the revised schedule to all Chief Electoral Officers and State administrations, directing them to update field teams and implement the revised timelines uniformly. Officers are required to ensure that every voter is counted, forms are verified carefully, and objections are addressed promptly.

Significance of the Special Intensive Revision
The SIR is a crucial exercise aimed at strengthening the integrity of electoral rolls. It involves:

• Adding new voters who have reached the voting age of 18
• Deleting names of deceased individuals
• Correcting errors in names, addresses, and other personal details
• Rationalising polling stations to ensure smooth voting operations

By extending the schedule, the ECI hopes to improve the accuracy, inclusiveness, and reliability of the electoral rolls, which form the backbone of free and fair elections in the country.

Conclusion
With the revised dates, field teams now have adequate time to complete the extensive enumeration and verification tasks across diverse terrains and populations. The final electoral rolls will be published on February 14, 2026, ensuring that eligible citizens are included, errors corrected, and electoral preparedness strengthened. The ECI’s decision underscores its commitment to transparent, fair, and comprehensive voter registration, setting the stage for efficient conduct of elections in the States and Union Territories under its purview.