New Delhi [India], November 18 (HBTV): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a special revision of the electoral roll in Assam, where assembly elections are scheduled to be held in 2026.
This special revision is different from the Special Intensive Revision drive being conducted in 12 states and union territories, due to Assam's distinct citizenship framework and the ongoing Supreme Court-monitored National Register of Citizens process.
In a letter addressed to the Assam Chief Electoral Officer, ECI Secretary Pawan Diwan stated that the Commission has directed a Special Revision under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date for the state.
During the intensive revision drive in other states, Booth Level Officers carry out house-to-house verification using blank forms. However, according to the Commission, BLOs in Assam will use pre-filled registers to verify existing electors.
The letter noted that the Electoral Registration Officer of each Assembly Constituency must ensure that no eligible citizen is left out and no ineligible person is included in the electoral roll.
It added that, before the draft publication, the removal of logical errors, standardisation of addresses, and verification of photographs must be completed in a time-bound manner. The Commission has instructed officials to ensure the complete removal of probable duplicate or multiple entries identified through system checks and field reports after BLO verification.
The EC also stated that applicants may choose to furnish their Aadhaar number, but no application for inclusion will be denied, nor any entry deleted, if the individual is unable to provide an Aadhaar number.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the decision, saying it will help ensure clean and updated electoral rolls for all eligible citizens. He posted on X that the state government will extend full cooperation to the Election Commission to complete the revision in a transparent and time-bound manner.
(ANI)