Preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have picked up pace in Hyderabad, with officials pushing to complete large-scale voter mapping before the formal exercise begins.
As part of the drive, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and their supervisors were given strict daily targets and asked to complete the initial phase by May 5, officials said.
Daily Targets Set for Officials
According to instructions issued by Hyderabad District Election Officer RV Karnan, each BLO was required to map details of at least 100 voters per day, while supervisors were assigned a higher target of 1,000 voters daily.
Despite the deadline, officials indicated that mapping work in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana is likely to continue beyond May 5, especially in areas where coverage remains low.
Low Progress in Several Districts
During a review meeting held via video conference, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vasam Venkateswar Reddy assessed progress across 28 Assembly constituencies where voter mapping is still below 50 percent.
These include key districts such as Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Sangareddy, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Nizamabad and Khammam.
Officials reviewed electoral mapping progress, pending applications under Forms 6, 6A, 7 and 8, and issues related to duplicate or demographically similar entries.
Door-to-Door Verification Underway
Authorities have directed BLOs to conduct door-to-door visits to collect voter information and match current electoral rolls with records from the 2002 revision.
“All eligible voters in the 2025 electoral roll must be mapped with the 2002 voter list,” Reddy instructed, adding that the process should be completed “expeditiously.”
He also emphasised the use of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and coordination with Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs) to improve coverage.
Focus on Accuracy and Clean-Up
Officials have been asked to identify and take action against duplicate, deceased, or shifted voters as per standard procedures.
The mapping exercise also involves resolving discrepancies and clearing pending applications to ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate and updated before the revision.
“The aim is to streamline the SIR process and minimise errors once the formal revision begins,” an official said.
How Voters Can Participate
As part of the exercise, voters are required to match their names or those of their relatives with entries in the 2002 electoral rolls.
Only specific family relations—such as parents and grandparents—are allowed for mapping. Those who successfully map their records may not need to submit additional documents, unless discrepancies arise later.
However, voters who are unable to complete the mapping process will be required to provide documents as per guidelines issued by the Election Commission.
Preparations Ahead of SIR 2026
The ongoing mapping is seen as a crucial preparatory step for the Special Intensive Revision 2026, which aims to eliminate duplicate or invalid entries and ensure cleaner electoral rolls.
Officials say the early groundwork will help make the full revision process smoother and more efficient once officially announced.
