Final Day for SIR Form Distribution and Digitisation in Shillong

Shillong, India Jul 29, 2026 ALN: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 has entered its final phase, with only one day remaining for the completion of the house-to-house distribution and digitisation of enumeration forms before the conclusion of this phase of the exercise on Wednesday. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure a comprehensive and accurate electoral roll, which is critical for the democratic process in India.

The SIR process is particularly significant as it aims to update the electoral rolls, ensuring that they reflect the current demographic and population changes within the electorate. This exercise is essential not only for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process but also for empowering citizens to participate actively in democracy. With elections being the cornerstone of democratic governance, accurate electoral rolls are paramount for ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their vote.

As of today, out of a total electorate of 2,349,645, enumeration forms have been distributed to 2,340,764 voters, which is 99.62 percent. Simultaneously, 2,278,071 enumeration forms have been digitised, accounting for 96.95 percent of the total electorate. These figures indicate a significant effort by the electoral authorities to reach the vast majority of voters, ensuring that they are informed and able to participate in the upcoming elections.

Today, the Chief Electoral Officer convened a meeting with representatives of recognised national and state political parties to review the progress of SIR 2026 and discuss the activities to be completed before the publication of the draft electoral roll. This collaborative approach is vital, as it not only fosters transparency but also allows political parties to engage with the electoral process actively. By involving political stakeholders in discussions about the enumeration process, the Chief Electoral Officer aims to build trust and ensure that all parties are informed about the progress and challenges faced during the SIR.

During the meeting, the CEO shared the latest status of enumeration form distribution and digitisation, verification of Absent, Shifted, Death and Duplicate (ASDD) cases, and other field-level activities. The identification of these categories is crucial as it allows for a more accurate representation of the electorate. Parties were requested to continue extending their full cooperation to ensure that every eligible elector is covered before the conclusion of the SIR. This cooperation is particularly important as it helps to identify and rectify any discrepancies in the electoral roll, thereby enhancing its accuracy.

As part of continuous monitoring, the CEO has been conducting regular review meetings and weekly video conferences with the District Election Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) to monitor the progress of the SIR, address field-level issues, and ensure timely completion of all activities in accordance with the timeline prescribed by the Election Commission of India. This structured approach to oversight is designed to mitigate any potential issues that may arise during the enumeration process, ensuring that all electors are accounted for and that the electoral roll is as accurate as possible.

As part of the verification process, 224,435 electors (9.55 percent of the total) have been identified under the ‘No Mapping’ categories requiring further verification. A total of 149,656 electors, constituting 6.37 percent of the total electorate, have been identified under the ASDD categories. This includes 74,851 dead electors, 37,914 shifted electors, 28,826 absent electors, 5,899 duplicate entries, and 2,166 electors who refused to submit the enumeration form. All these cases will be processed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Registration of Electors Rules 1960 after due verification following the prescribed procedure and providing adequate opportunity to the concerned electors or their family members, wherever applicable. This meticulous process underscores the commitment of the electoral authorities to uphold the principles of fairness and accuracy in the electoral process.

The Election Commission of India has approved the rationalisation of polling stations, resulting in the addition of 86 new polling stations. With this approval, the total number of polling stations in the state has increased from 3,551 to 3,637. This increase is a strategic move aimed at improving accessibility for voters, particularly in remote or underserved areas. By establishing more polling stations, the Election Commission seeks to reduce overcrowding and long waiting times, thereby facilitating a smoother voting experience for all citizens.

As tomorrow is the last day, all Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been directed to make every possible effort to reach the remaining electors and complete the digitisation process within the stipulated timeline. The role of BLOs is critical as they are the frontline workers in the electoral process, tasked with ensuring that no eligible voter is left unaccounted for. Their efforts are essential in bridging the gap between the electoral authorities and the electorate.

Electors who have not yet submitted their duly filled Enumeration Forms are urged to do so immediately by handing them over to their respective BLO or through the online self-enumeration facility using the ECINET App or the ECINET Portal. The availability of digital platforms for self-enumeration reflects the Election Commission's efforts to leverage technology to enhance voter participation and streamline the electoral process.

Electors who fail to submit their duly filled enumeration forms within the prescribed timeline will not have their names included in the draft electoral roll scheduled to be published on August 5, 2026. This serves as a crucial reminder for voters about the importance of participating in the enumeration process. Failure to submit the forms could lead to disenfranchisement, thereby impacting the democratic process. It is essential for citizens to recognize their role and responsibility in ensuring that they are part of the electoral system.

In conclusion, the final day for SIR form distribution and digitisation in Shillong marks a significant milestone in the electoral process. The efforts of the electoral authorities, political parties, and voters alike will contribute to a more inclusive and accurate electoral roll. As the date for the publication of the draft electoral roll approaches, it is imperative for all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure that the democratic process is upheld and that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in shaping the future of their governance.