New Delhi/IBNS: The massive electoral roll revision exercise in the country is underway as the Election Commission of India on Thursday announced the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Third phase to cover 16 States and UTs

The third phase of the SIR exercise will be conducted across 16 states and union territories. 

 
However, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh have been excluded from the process for now.

More than 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door verification covering nearly 36.73 crore electors during the Enumeration Phase. 
 
They will be assisted by 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by various political parties.

ECI urges political parties to participate

The ECI has requested all political parties to appoint BLAs for every polling booth to ensure transparency and wider participation in the revision process.

The poll body said the move is aimed at ensuring the Special Intensive Revision is conducted with “complete transparency” and with the active involvement of political parties.

Massive exercise underway across India

During the first two phases of the SIR exercise, conducted across 13 states and union territories covering nearly 59 crore electors, over 6.3 lakh BLOs and 9.2 lakh BLAs appointed by political parties were involved at various stages of the process.