Chandigarh CEO Reviews Preparedness for Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Roll

Chandigarh (Naval Kishore): Following the announcement by the Election Commission of India regarding the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll in Chandigarh under the third phase on May 14, 2026, a high-level review meeting was held on May 21 under the chairmanship of Chief Electoral Officer, U.T. Chandigarh, Prerna Puri to assess preparedness and coordination for the exercise.

At the outset, the Chief Electoral Officer directed officials to ensure wide publicity of the SIR schedule, conduct meetings with political parties and maintain close coordination with all stakeholders involved in the revision process.

Detailed discussions were held regarding the responsibilities of officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision of the Electoral Roll. The District Election Officer was instructed to complete the rationalization of polling stations by July 14, 2026.

The Electoral Registration Officer was directed to organize meetings with political parties and Booth Level Agents (BLAs), closely monitor claims and objections, and supervise field staff to maintain transparency in the revision process.

Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) were instructed to dispose of Forms 6, 7 and 8 in a time-bound manner after following due procedure. Officials were also directed to ensure adequate availability of Declaration Forms along with Forms 6 and 8, as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are required to carry at least 30 blank Forms 6 and 8 along with blank Declaration Forms during the Enumeration phase to facilitate new voter enrolments and address cases involving electors shifting from outside the State.

The AEROs were further instructed to undertake micro-level planning for the distribution, collection and digitization of Enumeration Forms. Necessary arrangements relating to manpower, infrastructure, connectivity and training are to be completed by May 30, 2026. It was also decided that unmapped electors would again be contacted by BLOs through door-to-door verification for proper mapping.

SVEEP Nodal Officers were directed to prepare a comprehensive voter awareness plan for different phases of the SIR by May 25, 2026 through print media campaigns, flash mobs, nukkad nataks and other awareness activities. Electors will also be informed about the Voter Helpline Number 1950 by dialing 0172-1950 and pressing 3 for voter-related assistance and services.

The Nodal Officer for Media and Social Media was instructed to disseminate information regarding different phases of the SIR through social media platforms and ensure timely countering of fake news by circulating accurate information. Directions were also issued for regular dissemination of voter awareness material online.

Additionally, NSS volunteers have been identified to assist BLOs during the Special Intensive Revision process. The Nodal Officer, Computerization, was directed to establish a 24×7 IT Help Desk to provide technical assistance to BLOs and ensure smooth functioning of the State Contact Centre.

Concluding the meeting, Prerna Puri directed that employees of Sampark Centres be trained regarding the SIR process and schedule so they can effectively guide citizens of U.T. Chandigarh. Instructions were also issued to establish help desks displaying IEC (Information, Education and Communication) material in Chandigarh Administration offices and to provide training to nodal officers of Voter Awareness Forums established across various departments.