The Election Commission of India has directed states to prepare for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh scheduled to implement the exercise from April 2026. State authorities have been instructed to complete all necessary groundwork at the earliest to ensure smooth execution of the comprehensive voter list revision process. This initiative aims to update and clean the electoral database by removing duplicate entries, adding new eligible voters, and correcting existing information.
In Telangana, preparations for the upcoming exercise have already commenced. Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudarshan Reddy conducted a training session for 50 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) representing four key districts. The training program focused on equipping officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the intensive revision process effectively. The participating officers came from Medchal Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, Rangareddy, and Hyderabad districts, which are among the most populous areas in the state.
The Special Intensive Revision is a comprehensive exercise that goes beyond the regular summary revision of electoral rolls. During this process, electoral officers conduct house-to-house verification to ensure accuracy of voter data. The exercise involves identifying and removing names of deceased persons, duplicate entries, and voters who have shifted to other constituencies. It also includes adding names of newly eligible voters who have attained the age of 18 years and updating details of existing voters.
Electoral authorities in both states are working to create awareness among citizens about the importance of accurate electoral rolls. The revision process will provide an opportunity for voters to verify their details, make corrections if needed, and ensure their names appear on the voter list. Officials have been tasked with setting up camps and facilitating easy access for citizens to update their information. The exercise is expected to significantly improve the quality and accuracy of electoral databases in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The training session conducted by CEO C. Sudarshan Reddy covered various aspects of the revision process, including the use of technology for data collection and verification, handling of objections and claims, and coordination with local administrative bodies. The Electoral Registration Officers were briefed on the standard operating procedures and timelines that need to be followed during the SIR exercise. With preparations beginning well in advance, election officials aim to ensure that the voter lists are thoroughly updated before the scheduled implementation in April 2026.
