Officials clarified that while the declaration has become mandatory, the statutory format of Form 6 itself has not been altered.

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) has expanded its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process by making it compulsory for first-time voters to provide details of their parents' SIR records while applying for inclusion in the electoral rolls. The move extends beyond existing electors undergoing verification and now also covers fresh applicants seeking voter registration.

According to Election Commission officials, anyone submitting Form 6, which is used to enrol as a new voter, will now be required to furnish information related to their parents' SIR records. The requirement has been incorporated through administrative instructions and was first implemented during the Special Intensive Revision exercise conducted in Bihar last year.

Officials clarified that while the declaration has become mandatory, the statutory format of Form 6 itself has not been altered. Instead, the additional declaration has been introduced as part of the verification process to improve the accuracy of electoral records.

The EC maintains that linking applicants with their parents' verified records will simplify the enrolment process by reducing the number of supporting documents that new voters need to submit. Officials also said the provision helps establish family mapping within the electoral database, making verification more efficient.

Applicants using the Election Commission's online voter registration portal will be unable to complete the application unless the declaration regarding their parents' SIR details is filled in.

Defending the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise, the poll body reiterated that the initiative is intended to ensure that only eligible Indian citizens remain on the electoral rolls while removing duplicate, deceased, shifted, absent and ineligible entries. The Commission described the exercise as transparent, constitutionally valid and consistent with judicial observations.

The Election Commission also dismissed allegations that the revision process disproportionately affects any particular community or region. Responding to concerns raised over alleged deletions of minority voters, including in West Bengal's Nandigram, officials said adequate opportunities are available for individuals to challenge exclusions and insisted that the verification exercise is being carried out without discrimination.

The Special Intensive Revision is currently being projected by the Election Commission as a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and accuracy of India's electoral database ahead of future elections.