Assam CM says Special Intensive Revision to begin only after NRC notification

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 18 said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state cannot be carried out until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is officially notified, adding that the process is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

Explaining the delay, the Chief Minister said Assam continues to face discrepancies in its voter lists, including the presence of names of deceased persons, minors, and married women whose surnames or addresses have changed. 

“The NRC has not been notified yet. Once that is done — hopefully by mid-next year — the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) can finally take place in Assam,” he said.

Sarma added that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a Special Summary Revision to address the anomalies. 

As part of the exercise, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household to collect updated information, including details of deceased voters, changes due to marriage or relocation, and other necessary corrections.

“I believe that before the upcoming elections, we will have a comparatively clean and accurate voter list,” he said.

The Chief Minister clarified that citizenship verification will not be carried out at this stage. “Citizenship will not be checked here; that determination will happen only during the Special Revision process. First will come the Special Summary Revision, and after that, the benefits of the Special Intensive Revision will be seen,” he added.

Sarma said the twin processes — the summary revision followed by the special intensive revision — will together help Assam achieve a more accurate electoral roll ahead of the polls.