Meghalaya to begin SIR of electoral rolls across 60 constituencies
Guwahati: Meghalaya is prepared to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its electoral rolls and is waiting for the Election Commission of India to release the official schedule, a senior official said.
Chief Electoral Officer Brahma Deo Ram Tiwari said the revision will cover all 60 assembly constituencies once the notification is issued. The SIR is intended to verify voter lists through visits to households.
Officials will also examine details such as birthplace and other documents to remove any ineligible or non-citizen entries.
Civil society groups have been pressing for this revision, particularly ahead of the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. Following disturbances in the Garo Hills in March, the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) called for an immediate roll review.
CoMSO has sent letters to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, requesting measures to ensure only legitimate Indian citizens appear on the voter list and that the interests of indigenous communities are protected.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has expressed support for the exercise, confirming that the state government is coordinating with both the Centre and the Election Commission.
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit homes to verify voter details. Voters will be divided into four categories based on age and whether their names or their parents’ names appeared in the 2005 rolls. Each category will require submission of specific documents to confirm eligibility.
After a recent rationalisation, Meghalaya now has 3,615 polling stations, including 64 newly added locations.
Preparations are also ongoing for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election following the death of sitting MP Ricky Andrew Jones Syngkon on February 19, who suffered a cardiac arrest while playing futsal.
Batskhem Myrboh has been selected as the candidate for the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in the by-election.