Suryaa National Desk: At a time when opposition protests and agitations are continuing across the country over the process of Comprehensive Amendment of Voters List (SIR), the Election Commission of the Central Election Commission (ECI) has taken a crucial step... The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a crucial step forward at a time when opposition protests and agitations continue across the country over the process of comprehensive amendment of the electoral roll (SIR). In all 17 states and Union Territories including Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and Punjab, the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) have issued fresh instructions to carry out the Special Summary Revision (SSR) process. Decision on January 1, 2027 as the qualifying date: EC has decided January 1, 2027 as the qualifying date for this amendment process. The drive will continue with the aim of re-enrolling eligible citizens whose names were mistakenly removed from the electoral roll in the past, along with youth who have turned 18 years of age.
Besides, the youths who complete 18 years by the following quarters i.e. 1st April, 1st July and 1st October are also given the facility to apply through Form-6 in advance. Key schedule announced by EC: Rationalization of Polling Stations: Completed by November 2, 2026. Publication of draft voter list: 2026 November 12. Receipt of objections, claims: 2026 November 12 to December 11. Release of Final Voters List: 2027 January 4. Readable PDF format for political parties: EC introduces new reform to increase transparency in voter list.
For the first time, states were directed to provide draft lists to recognized political parties in a searchable and readable digital PDF format. It has been clarified that special attention should be given in the registration of women, transgender, disabled and tribal communities. The 17 states/UTs in this list are: Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Punjab, Assam, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The amendment process has gained political importance as states are due to go to assembly polls as early as 2027.
