10 July 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. Bihar SIR: Active participation of Bihar electors ensures nearly 57.48 % Enumeration Forms collected in first 15 days; 16 days still left
(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), July, 10, 2025)
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Topic: GS Paper 2 – (Governance – Electoral processes) |
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Context |
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Content
Overview
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In the initial 15 days of the SIR exercise, Bihar collected 4.54 crore (57.48 %) enumeration forms out of 7.90 crore existing electors.
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Notably, 83.13 lakh forms (10.52 %) were collected in the latest 24-hour period.
Distribution & Distribution Methods
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A total of 7.90 crore pre-filled forms were printed. Of these, 98 % (7.71 crore) have reached electors.
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Existing electors, including those temporarily migrated, can download, sign and submit forms via their Booth Level Officer (BLO) or digitally (e.g., via WhatsApp), under Section 20(1A) of the RP Act 1950.
Projected Completion
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With 42.5 % forms still pending, authorities aim to finish the exercise well before the July 25, 2025 deadline.
Analysis for UPSC Preparation
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Electoral Integrity & Inclusion: The SIR aims to update rolls—adding new electors, removing deceased and inaccurate entries, and including migrants—critical for free, fair elections.
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Legal Framework: Section 20(1A) of RP Act 1950 enables electors to contribute from outside their registered constituencies—an important administrative flexibility.
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Stakeholder Involvement: The role of 1.56 lakh political-party-appointed Booth Level Agents underscores participatory governance and political accountability.
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E-governance Components: Use of digital submission (e.g., WhatsApp) demonstrates the expanding role of ICT for citizen interface in electoral processes.
Conclusion & Way Forward
Electoral rolls are a foundation of India’s democratic process. Completing the SIR accurately and inclusively by July 25 will ensure the validity of elections. To sustain progress, authorities must monitor daily submissions and ramp up digital outreach, particularly among migrants.
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Practice Question: “Discuss the significance of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in strengthening India’s electoral democracy. In your answer, explain the legal provisions involved, stakeholder roles, and ways in which technology can enhance the process.” |
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