Enumeration deadline adjustment allows deeper review of voter data
Enumeration deadline for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has been extended by the Election Commission of India for five States and one Union Territory. The decision affects Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The move comes as election officials aim to ensure accuracy in voter lists and allow political representatives enough time to review data before final publication.
Enumeration deadline was earlier fixed for early December, but election authorities first allowed a short extension for all participating States. Now, a further extension has been approved for select regions after requests from their Chief Electoral Officers. Officials clarified that the extension is not due to delays in data collection but to support better verification and transparency.
In Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the enumeration deadline has been moved to December 14. Draft electoral rolls in these States will now be published on December 19. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been granted time until December 18, with draft voter lists scheduled for release on December 23. Uttar Pradesh has received the longest extension, with the enumeration deadline pushed to December 26 and draft rolls expected on December 31.
Election officials stated that not all States required extra time. West Bengal, Goa, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and Rajasthan completed the enumeration process as planned, and their draft rolls will be published on December 16. Kerala had already received an earlier extension, with its enumeration deadline set for December 18 and draft rolls to be released on December 23.
Enumeration deadline change focuses on verification, not delay
Election Commission data shows that enumeration work is nearly complete across the country. In several States, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, all enumeration forms have already been digitised. Other States such as West Bengal, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala have crossed 99% completion.
According to senior election officials, the enumeration deadline extension was mainly granted to allow Booth Level Agents appointed by political parties to review draft electoral data. This review process helps identify any missing names, incorrect entries, or wrongful deletions before the lists are made public.
Officials explained that draft lists were shared with Booth Level Agents only recently. As a result, Chief Electoral Officers requested additional days to complete this scrutiny. The Election Commission accepted these requests to reduce disputes and corrections later in the process.
The poll body has maintained that the revision exercise is meant to strengthen electoral accuracy, not to postpone outcomes. Officials emphasized that the final electoral rolls will still be published on schedule in February next year, ensuring readiness for upcoming elections.
The Election Commission also reiterated its appeal to eligible voters who may have missed the enumeration process. New voters and those whose names are not yet included can still apply using Form 6. Applications can be submitted through Booth Level Officers or online platforms provided by the Commission.
Election authorities believe that extending the enumeration deadline in selected regions will help build trust in the electoral process. Allowing time for verification before publication reduces errors and ensures that no eligible voter is excluded.
Enumeration deadline extension underlines focus on inclusive voting
The revision of electoral rolls is a crucial exercise ahead of major elections. The Election Commission’s decision reflects an effort to balance efficiency with fairness. While most States completed the process on time, targeted extensions were used as a corrective step rather than a sign of delay.
Officials have made it clear that accuracy remains the priority. With most data already collected and digitised, the additional time is being used only for review and correction. This approach is expected to reduce objections once draft rolls are published. Also Read: Modi Netanyahu Call: Critical Discussion on Gaza Peace Plan and Strategic Partnership
Conclusion
The enumeration deadline extension in select States highlights the Election Commission’s focus on accurate and inclusive voter lists. By allowing extra time for verification, the poll body aims to strengthen confidence in the electoral process while keeping the overall schedule on track.
