SIR Phase II Shows Progress But the Final Mile Matters Most

The latest bulletin by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase II of the Election Commission of India provides a comprehensive picture of the current Enumeration Phase, which is a vital prerequisite to see that all eligible citizens have their names on the electoral rolls when the next wave of democratic processes occur. The figures, covering well over 5 crore electors in 12 States and Union Territories, give an overall picture that is rather reassuring. However, they also emphasize on the enduring problems of the last-mile delivery, coordination, and political involvement at the booth level.

The data is at first sight encouraging. Having printed 99.95% of Elector Forms and dispatched 95.44% throughout the nation the logistical heart of the revision drive is sound. States like Goa, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Island have already already accomplished near-perfect distribution- something worth appreciating on considering the geographical limitations they have. States as large as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have high compliance, which is an indication of high administrative momentum.

Yet, under these great percentages, there is a more sophisticated story. There are still still some large gaps in a number of regions: Kerala (87.54) and Tamil Nadu (92.04) had relatively lower distribution rates, which serves as a reminder that the efficiency at scale is not always homogenous. Such figures are important, as each point in percentage counts lakhs of potential voters who otherwise could become the cracks in the system. This is not a procedural nicety so that these forms get to every citizen, but it is a democratic requirement.

The crucial part of this process cannot be overlooked by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs). The bulletin adds that even though the current deployment of over 5.33 lakh BLOs is being made, political parties have been asked to deploy more BLAs. This is a recurring concern. The Election Commission is still fulfilling its mandate, but the political parties usually fail to provide enough agents on the ground, which undermines a significant transparency pillar. BLAs serve as eyes and ears to parties in the roll revision process; otherwise, the participation will jeopardize inclusivity and accuracy of the final electoral roll.

Since the Enumeration Phase is going to last until 4 December 2025, it offers a timeline on which the road needs timely remedial work. The states that lag behind in distribution need to step-up the outreach, make sure BLOs are empowered by mobility and resources, and eliminate any administrative bottlenecks. The political parties need to elevate themselves to their democratic obligation of sending agents, which will help in doing the enrolment process through cross-checking and verification. The care of an electoral roll is not one man's business; one should not leave it to the Election Commission.

The bottom line is that, SIR progress report is a reminder of how complicated it is to maintain the largest voting database in the world. The high printing rates indicate the readiness; the distribution rates indicate the distance to be covered. The democracy in India does not just lie in the fair and free elections; but also in the ability to give all citizens the opportunity to exercise their voting rights. The figures today show some improvement -but the last mile will tell whether it is improvement that has led to positive electoral inclusion.

As the clock ticks toward December, the goal must be clear: no voter left behind.