Sources in the Election Commission said that a special nationwide revision of voter lists is expected to begin by October. On Wednesday, preparations for this process were discussed in the meeting of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states and union territories, where the proposal got the green signal. The Election Commission had recently made similar amendments in the voter list before the Bihar assembly elections. Now this process will be expanded in all states and union territories. According to sources, the special intensive revision (SIR) can be announced before the Bihar elections are over. During the conference-cum-workshop, the Chief Executive Officers were asked how soon they could be prepared for this amendment. Most of the officials assured the Commission that the basic work would be completed by September, which would pave the way for its launch in October.
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The day -long meeting, which included performances for more than three and a half hours, focused on SIR preparations and arrangements. Sources said that the Election Commission also directed the Chief Executive Officers of the state to prepare a list of documents which can be used for verification of voters during revision. These will be based on localized and easily available certificates, which vary in different fields.
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For example, states of tribal populated states, northeastern and coastal regions often have specific documents for identity and residence proof. In many places, regional autonomous councils and local bodies also issue certificates that are widely recognized. The Commission has asked the states to keep these variations in mind while finalizing the verification process. The Election Commission said that the main objective of special intensive revision is to remove voter lists by removing the names of the deceased, permanently transferred people, duplicate entries or non-citizens, as well as ensure that each eligible voter is included in it.