The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a comprehensive Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar, in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections. The revision, which began on June 25, 2025, and will continue until July 26, 2025, involves Booth Level Officers (BLOs) conducting house-to-house visits to collect information from voters and assist them in filling Enumeration Forms (EF).
This process is being implemented across all 243 assembly constituencies in Bihar, covering the re-verification of data for more than 7.89 crore voters. The primary objectives are to ensure the voter list’s accuracy, add new eligible voters, and remove those who are ineligible.
To enhance convenience, the ECI has provided options for both online and offline form submissions. Voters can access Voters.eci.gov.in to download and submit forms using their EPIC numbers. Moreover, the upcoming ECINET mobile app will further ease online access.
Each BLO will provide two copies of the enumeration form to voters. Voters need to complete the form with their recent photograph and attach self-attested supporting documents, like birth certificates or school records. An acknowledgment receipt from the BLO is crucial upon form submission.
SMS alerts are being sent to 5.74 crore registered mobile numbers in the state to update voters on the campaign. Voters already included in the 2003 revised list are only required to confirm their details.
The ECI has ensured the active involvement of political parties, with 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed to date. Further appointments are permitted.
The final voter list will be released on September 30th, 2025. The ECI has appointed 20,603 additional BLOs, with over a lakh volunteers assisting elderly, sick, disabled, and underprivileged voters. The comprehensive revision process will conclude with the publication of the final voter list on September 30, 2025.
The initiative has ignited a political debate in Bihar. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has labeled it as a ‘hidden NRC,’ while ruling parties see it as the Election Commission’s initiative to address past electoral irregularities. The ruling parties see it as a step towards ensuring transparency and fairness.
Voters are urged to have their documents ready, coordinate with BLOs, and verify their information on time to ensure their voting rights in the forthcoming elections.
