Goa Tops Digitisation in SIR Forms; Kerala Lags Far Behind

In a significant stride toward modernising India’s electoral system, the Election Commission is conducting the second round of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories. The exercise, aimed at verifying and updating voter information, is heavily dependent on the digitisation of enumeration forms collected by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). As the enumeration phase approaches its deadline of 4 December 2025, disparities in progress across states are becoming evident — with Goa leading the charge and Kerala and Uttar Pradesh lagging behind.

Progress Update: Enumeration and Digitisation Status

According to the Election Commission’s latest update as of 24 November 2025,

• 99.07% of voter enumeration forms have been collected — covering over 50.50 crore voters.
• 47.35% of these forms have been successfully digitised — totaling over 24.13 crore records.

State-Wise Digitisation Highlights

• Goa: 76.89% — Highest in the country
• Rajasthan: 72.20% — Close second
• Kerala: ~23% — Among the lowest
• Uttar Pradesh: 26.6% — Lagging alongside Kerala

The exercise is being carried out in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.

Ground-Level Realities and BLO Challenges

The enumeration and digitisation work is shouldered entirely by Booth Level Officers, most of whom are teachers, Anganwadi workers, clerks, and field staff. However, several reports highlight,

• Technical difficulties like app crashes during photo uploads
• Excess workload, especially for aged or tech-inexperienced BLOs
• Stress and exhaustion, with some states reporting protests and even fatalities linked to work pressure

Examples from Uttar Pradesh reveal the struggle,

• BLOs express confusion over the process and app performance
• Many enlist family members for help
• Supervisory monitoring adds to daily stress

Importance of the SIR Exercise

The digitisation of electoral rolls aims to,

• Enhance accuracy and integrity of voter records
• Minimise duplication and outdated information
• Enable easier claims and objections from the public
• Support transparent and efficient elections

The draft voter list will be published on 9 December, followed by the period for filing claims and objections.

Static Facts

• SIR Period: 4 November to 4 December 2025
• Forms Collected: 99.07% of ~51 crore voters
• Forms Digitised: 47.35% as of 24 Nov 2025
• Top State: Goa (76.89%)
• Bottom States: Kerala (~23%), Uttar Pradesh (26.6%)
• Next Key Date: Draft electoral roll to be released on 9 December 2025
• Digitisation Carried Out By: Booth Level Officers (BLOs)