Gangtok, May 27: Regional language communication has been emphasized as vital for the effective implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Sikkim. Apurva Kumar Singh, Deputy Director of the Media Section in the Election Commission of India, stated that the media serves as a crucial bridge between the poll panel and the public, ensuring the thorough cleanup of voter lists.

Singh explained that the SIR is not a routine summary revision but a comprehensive process that combines intensive revision with summary updates, aimed at making electoral rolls more accurate and inclusive. He emphasized that outreach in local languages is essential to raise awareness and encourage participation, particularly in states with difficult terrain such as Sikkim.

The exercise, he noted, helps electoral rolls reflect ground realities and ensures preparedness ahead of major elections, reducing disputes and facilitating smoother polling operations. In Sikkim, the SIR will begin on May 30, with booth-level officers conducting house-to-house visits until June 28 to distribute and collect enumeration forms. The draft rolls will be published on July 5, followed by a claims and objections period until August 4. Disposal of claims and objections will continue until September 2, and the final electoral rolls are scheduled for release on September 6.