NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced a series of measures to simplify the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including doorstep verification for voters who have received notices over unmapped records or logical discrepancies.

Following a full Commission meeting, the ECI said such voters would not ordinarily be required to appear personally before Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant EROs. Instead, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit their homes, collect the required documents and upload them on the ECINet system for consideration by the ERO.

Hearings will be held only in exceptional cases and, preferably, through online mode. The Commission has also allowed electors to authorise an adult family member to represent them when required.

The ECI directed District Election Officers to establish dedicated help desks and special enrolment camps for vulnerable groups, including homeless persons, labourers, night-shelter residents and economically disadvantaged citizens.

The Commission also extended the deadline for filing claims and objections in Delhi and Maharashtra following requests from the respective Chief Electoral Officers. In Delhi, the deadline has been extended to October 30, with disposal of claims and objections by November 30. In Maharashtra, the deadline has been extended to October 12, with disposal scheduled by November 10.

The Commission further directed Chief Electoral Officers, DEOs and EROs to launch special enrolment drives under continuous updation for people whose names may have been omitted from the electoral rolls, as well as first-time young voters.

The ECI also ordered an independent review of the ECINet portal. A committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, along with an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT, will examine the system for compliance with election laws and rules. Future IT modules and major portal upgrades will also be examined by the Committee of Officers before being placed before the Commission.

The Commission also announced internal administrative measures, including advance circulation of meeting agendas, timely completion of officers’ Annual Performance Appraisal Reports by December 31 each year and prior approval for foreign travel.

The ECI said the nationwide SIR process has the unanimous approval of the Commission. It also referred to the Supreme Court’s May 27, 2026 order in connection with the exercise. The final electoral figures will be published after completion of the remaining phases of the revision.

The latest measures come amid scrutiny of the SIR process, particularly over notices issued to voters for unmapped records and alleged logical discrepancies. The Supreme Court had recently raised concerns over the manner in which some notices were issued in Delhi.