The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Uttarakhand’s electoral roll has led to the removal of nearly nine lakh names, marking a significant 10% decline in the State’s voter list. The final roll, published on Saturday, now records 71.59 lakh electors.
According to Chief Electoral Officer B.V.R.C. Purushottam, the updated roll also includes 1,29,872 newly enrolled voters, reflecting ongoing efforts to balance deletions with fresh registrations. A large portion of the removed names were categorised as “uncollectable (ASDD)” — Absent, Shifted, Dead, or Duplicate, a classification that has drawn scrutiny in other states as well.
Officials confirmed that the State will soon launch a special drive to re‑enrol missing and eligible voters, aiming to ensure that genuine electors are not disenfranchised ahead of upcoming polls. The exercise is part of a nationwide push to clean up voter rolls, but critics argue that mass deletions risk excluding legitimate voters.
The revision highlights the challenges of maintaining accurate electoral records in a state with high migration and shifting demographics. With elections approaching, the enrolment drive will be crucial in restoring confidence among citizens and safeguarding their democratic rights.
