SIR Drive in Odisha Begins with 45,255 BLOs
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls began in Odisha today, with 45,255 Booth Level Officers conducting door-to-door verification across the state.
Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Gopalan announced that BLOs will visit households from May 30 to June 28. They will distribute enumeration forms, assist residents in filling them, and collect completed forms. Each form records personal details, family particulars, and information linked to the 2002 electoral roll. BLOs will verify entries and correct minor discrepancies during visits.
Gopalan instructed BLOs to ensure no eligible voter is excluded and no ineligible person is added. He confirmed that the draft electoral roll will be published on July 5. Claims and objections can be filed between July 5 and August 4, with disposal continuing until September 2. The final roll will be published on September 6, 2026.
BLOs will remain present at polling booths daily between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to accept forms directly. Alongside BLOs, 33,000 Booth Level Agents have been appointed and trained. Help desks are active to support voters.
Digital options are available as voters can download forms from the Election Commission’s website and upload completed forms online. The BLO app also connects residents with their local officers.
Addressing concerns, Gopalan clarified that most logical errors, such as discrepancies in age or name, can be resolved through simple field inquiries. Serious errors may require supporting evidence, but the absence of documents does not automatically disqualify a voter. Family members can collect and sign forms for voters away from home.
