Relief for New Voters as ECI Introduces Key Changes to Registration Rules

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a significant change in the voter registration process by delinking the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration from Form 6, which is used for new voter registration through the online portal. The Commission has clarified that the change will apply across all states, even as the SIR exercise is currently underway in select regions. Under the revised arrangement, citizens seeking to add their names to the electoral rolls will no longer need to attach the SIR declaration while submitting Form 6 online. Instead, the declaration will have to be submitted separately. The move is aimed at simplifying the voter registration process and improving transparency in the functioning of the Election Commission.

The ECI has also introduced several changes to its internal administrative procedures. Meeting agendas will now be circulated to members in advance, while official minutes will be issued after the conclusion of meetings. The Commission has also made prior approval mandatory for its officials undertaking foreign visits. In another key reform, proposals for new Information Technology (IT) modules will first be examined by a dedicated committee instead of being placed directly before the Commission. Following a detailed review, the proposals will be forwarded to the Election Commission for final consideration. These measures are intended to streamline administrative procedures and strengthen the decision-making process within the electoral body.