Hyderabad, 12 July
ECI Issues Important Update for Telangana Voters on SIR Document Submission
ECI Issues Important Update for voters across Telangana regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, clearing confusion over the submission of supporting documents. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that electors do not need to submit any documents during the enumeration phase of the revision exercise.
The clarification comes after several voters expressed uncertainty over whether identity, residence, or citizenship documents must be furnished while enumeration officials are visiting households. According to the Commission, the current phase is only meant for collecting and verifying electoral information, and no documentary proof is required at this stage.
ECI Issues Important Update on When Documents Are Required
The ECI Issues Important Update stating that supporting documents will only be required if the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) issues a formal notice after the publication of the draft electoral rolls.
The ERO may issue notices to electors whose details cannot be linked with the electoral rolls from the previous revision or where discrepancies are noticed during verification. Only those voters who receive such a notice will have to produce supporting documents to establish their eligibility for inclusion in the electoral roll.
The Commission emphasized that this requirement does not apply to every voter, and therefore electors should not panic or rush to submit documents during the enumeration process.
Why the Special Intensive Revision Is Being Conducted
As ECI Issues Important Update, the Commission reiterated that the Special Intensive Revision aims to make electoral rolls more accurate, transparent, and free from duplicate or ineligible entries.
The revision exercise has been undertaken to:
- Remove duplicate voter records.
- Delete names of ineligible electors.
- Update voter information.
- Include all eligible citizens.
- Improve the overall accuracy of electoral rolls.
Election officials have appealed to the public to rely only on official announcements and avoid misinformation circulating on social media regarding document submission.
List of Supporting Documents Suggested by the ECI
The ECI Issues Important Update also includes a list of documents that may be accepted if an elector receives a notice from the Electoral Registration Officer.
These documents include:
- Identity Card or Pension Payment Order issued to a regular employee or pensioner of the Central Government, State Government, or Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
- Identity Card, Certificate, or Document issued in India by the Government, Local Authorities, Banks, Post Office, LIC, or PSUs before July 1, 1987.
- Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Valid Passport.
- Matriculation or Educational Certificate issued by a recognized Board or University.
- Permanent Residence Certificate issued by the competent State authority.
- Forest Rights Certificate.
- OBC, SC, ST, or any other caste certificate issued by the competent authority.
- National Register of Citizens (NRC), wherever applicable.
- Family Register prepared by State or Local Authorities.
- Government-issued land or house allotment certificate.
Aadhaar Guidelines Continue to Apply
The ECI Issues Important Update further clarifies that Aadhaar verification will continue to follow the Commission’s earlier directions issued through Letter No. 23/2025-ERS/Vol.II dated September 9, 2025 (Annexure II).
Electors need to follow these guidelines only if Aadhaar verification becomes applicable in their specific case.
ECI Advises Voters Not to Panic
The ECI Issues Important Update serves as an assurance that the majority of Telangana voters will not be asked to submit documents during the current enumeration phase. Only electors who receive an official notice from the Electoral Registration Officer after the publication of the draft electoral rolls will need to furnish supporting documents.
The Commission has urged voters to cooperate with election officials, carefully read any official communication they receive, and avoid believing unverified claims circulating on social media. Officials reiterated that the objective of the Special Intensive Revision is to ensure a transparent, accurate, and reliable electoral roll while safeguarding the voting rights of every eligible citizen.