When will SIR begin in remaining states? Chief Election Commissioner says...

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar hailed the completion of SIR process in Bihrar and said the exercise is presently being conducted "smoothly" in 12 Indian states and Union territories

SIR hearing People wait at a centre during hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Nadia of West Bengal | PTI

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists in the remaining states will be rolled out soon, before adding that the revision exercise is presently being conducted "smoothly" in 12 states and Union territories.

This exercise has been successfully completed in Bihar, and a 'special revision' of electoral rolls is separately underway in Assam, Kumar said.

"The most compelling testament to the success of the SIR in Bihar was that not a single appeal was filed against the final electoral roll, establishing its sanctity and credibility," Kumar was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

According to the Chief Election Commissioner, polls conducted on "this strong foundation" proved historic, recording the highest voter turnout since 1951 at 67.13 per cent, with women electors registering an unprecedented participation rate of 71.78 per cent.

He also emphasised the role of all electors, especially the youth, and urged them to vote without fail and to become ambassadors of democracy.

The Chief Election Commissioner said “pure” electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy and added, "With this objective, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was initiated to ensure that every eligible elector's name is included in the electoral roll and that every ineligible name is removed."

"I call upon our young electors to lead the fight against misinformation, disinformation, and false narratives. For this, it is essential that they remain fully informed about electoral processes and the various initiatives of the Election Commission," PTI quoted him as saying.