ECI de-links Form 6 from SIR declaration flagged by 2 Election Commissioners

The Election Commission has removed the SIR declaration from online Form 6 across all states following concerns raised by two Election Commissioners, introducing separate submission procedures for applicants.The ECI has also introduced changes to the way its meetings are conducted. (File Photo: ITG)New Delhi,Nov 5, 2026 11:07 ISTThe Election Commission of India (ECI) has completely de-linked the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration from online Form 6 across all states, including those where the revision exercise is still underway.The declaration will now be submitted separately instead of being included in Form 6, which is used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.The change means applicants will no longer have to fill in the SIR declaration as part of the online Form 6 process.The move comes amid a series of changes being introduced within the poll body's internal functioning through fresh orders aimed at improving transparency and streamlining decision-making. The ECI has also introduced changes to the way its meetings are conducted.Meeting agendas are now being circulated in advance, while minutes are being formally issued after meetings. These practices were not being followed earlier, according to the details of the changes. Another significant change concerns foreign travel by ECI officers. Officials working with the Commission are now required to seek its approval before undertaking foreign trips. Such prior clearance was not mandatory under the earlier arrangement.The process for developing new information technology (IT) modules has also been revised. Proposals for new modules will first be referred to a committee before being placed before the Commission for consideration.The IT module approval process had earlier been a point of contention between the Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).The revised procedure introduces an additional layer of scrutiny before such proposals reach the Commission.- Ends