Telangana digitises 78.14% of enumeration forms ahead of electoral roll revision deadline

With just one day left for the house-to-house enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Telangana, the State has digitised 78.14% of the 3.38 crore Enumeration Forms (EFs), according to official data from the Chief Electoral Officer's office.

The enumeration process, which involves the distribution and collection of forms across the State, began on June 25, 2026. The deadline, initially set for an earlier date, was extended twice before being fixed at August 10, 2026. As of 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, a total of 2,64,30,494 forms out of 3,38,26,448 had been digitised.

This exercise is part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, a routine but crucial process aimed at ensuring that all eligible citizens are included in the voter list and that the rolls are accurate and up to date. The State has a total electorate of 3,38,26,448, and forms were distributed to all enrolled electors for verification and correction of details.

The next major milestone is the publication of the draft electoral rolls on August 17, 2026. Following this, a claims and objections window will open from August 17 to September 16, allowing citizens to file claims for inclusion, objection to incorrect entries, and requests for deletion of duplicate or ineligible names. The disposal of these claims and objections will be carried out between August 17 and October 15. The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on October 19, 2026, as per the revised schedule of the SIR-2026.

Officials have emphasised the importance of the digitisation exercise, as it helps streamline the revision process and ensures that the electoral database is secure and easily accessible. The high percentage of digitised forms indicates that the enumeration teams have been working efficiently across all districts. However, the remaining 21.86% of forms are yet to be processed, and efforts are underway to complete the task within the stipulated time.

The SIR is a periodic review conducted by the Election Commission of India and its State machinery to update the electoral rolls. During this process, field staff visit households to verify existing entries, include new electors who have attained the age of 18, and remove names of those who have shifted residence or are deceased. This is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that every eligible citizen can exercise their franchise.

In Telangana, the process has been marked by a large-scale deployment of enumerators, with technological tools being used for data entry and validation. The State Election Commission has set up control rooms to monitor progress and address any issues that may arise. The digitisation of forms also facilitates easier handling of claims and objections, as records can be searched and updated digitally.

Voters are advised to check the draft rolls when they are published on August 17 and submit any claims or objections within the specified period. This is a crucial opportunity for citizens to ensure their names are correctly included in the electoral roll. Eligible citizens who have not been included can file a claim, while those with incorrect details can request corrections.

The completion of the SIR will provide a reliable voter list for future elections in the State. Authorities are expected to release updates on the final percentage of digitised forms after the deadline passes. The timely execution of this phase is significant for the smooth conduct of electoral processes.