President Donald Trump concluded his state visit to China. He met with President Xi Jinping. The visit featured business deals and discussions. President Xi issued a strong warning regarding Taiwan. Trump expressed hope for a stronger relationship. China agreed to purchase Boeing jets
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a resolution to halt the Iran war without congressional approval. The vote was tied, failing to pass. This marks the third such attempt this year, with votes becoming increasingly close. Democrats argue the Constitution requires Congress to
Canon launches full-frame EOS R6V camera with built-in cooling fan in India: Price and availabilityCanon has launched the EOS R6V camera and RF 20–50mm power zoom lens in India, targeting filmmakers, wedding shooters, and video creators. Updated on: May 14
A notice issued by the state school education department said that the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ should be made mandatory during morning assembly prayers prior to the start of classes in all schools with immediate effect. In a major move, the West Bengal government
Pop star Delta Goodrem has dramatically increased Australia's odds of winning the Eurovision Song Contest, after a stunning performance of her power ballad, Eclipse, at Thursday's semi-final. The singer is now second favourite for the competition, and is rapidly closing in on Finland
Election Commission begins third phase of SIR across 16 states
Election Commission begins third phase of SIR across 16 states, 3 UTs
Election Commission begins third phase of SIR across 16 states, 3 UTs
The SIR exercise sparked controversy after 2.71 million people were removed from voter rolls in West Bengal during last month’s assembly poll
Updated on: May 15, 2026 7:52 AM IST By Harsh Yadav Share via Copy link The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday directed the chief electoral officers of 16 states and 3 Union Territories to commence the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a controversial exercise that will cover 367 million people between the end of May and the beginning of December as part of a staggered schedule. The Election Commission announced the rollout of the SIR Phase III of electoral rolls across 16 states and 3 UTs (Hindustan Times) Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were kept out of the current phase due to ongoing census operations and weather conditions in snow-bound areas, as per the official order issued by the ECI. First launched in Bihar late last year, SIR triggered a major electoral and legal controversy, especially after it led to the disenfranchisement of 2.71 million people in West Bengal during assembly polls last month. “I appeal to all electors to enthusiastically participate in the Phase III of Special Intensive Revision and fill their Enumeration Forms. SIR is being conducted with the objective to ensure that only eligible voters are included in the electoral roll and no ineligible names are included,” said chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Also Read: Why Election Commission left out J&K, Ladakh and Himachal from SIR rollout Delhi is among the regions where SIR will be conducted. In the Capital, the exercise will start on June 30, the draft roll released on August 5, and the final roll on October 7. Delhi currently has 14.8 million people on its voter rolls. Among the five regions that are scheduled to go to the polls in early 2027, Uttar Pradesh has completed the process and deleted 20.5 million names. Punjab, which has 21.4 million voters, will see the draft roll published on July 31 and final roll on October 1. Uttarakhand, with 7.97 million voters, will have its draft roll on July 14 and final roll on September 15. Manipur, with 2.09 million voters, will have its draft roll on July 5 and final roll on September 6. Goa completed the SIR process in an earlier phase. The ECI order stated that the schedule for SIR Phase III has been fixed keeping in view the common field machinery with the ongoing house listing of census. The SIR schedule for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will be announced separately after the completion of Phase II of the census in these three states and UTs, with weather conditions in upper reaches and snow-bound areas also factored into the decision. Over 394,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits for 367.3 million electors across 19 states and UTs. They will be assisted by 342,000 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties during the enumeration phase. ECI has requested all political parties to appoint BLAs for each polling booth to ensure complete transparency in the SIR process. Maharashtra leads in BLO deployment with 97,924 officers covering 98.6 million electors, followed by Karnataka with 59,050 BLOs covering 55.5 million electors. For Phase III, no BLAs have been appointed in Meghalaya. Special Intensive Revision Sir Eci Election Commission Of India States Check India news real-time updates, latest news, CBSE 12th Result 2026 LIVE from India on Hindustan Times and more across India. Home/India News/Election Commission Begins Third Phase Of SIR Across 16 States, 3 UTs See LessThe Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday directed the chief electoral officers of 16 states and 3 Union Territories to commence the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a controversial exercise that will cover 367 million people between the end of May and the beginning of December as part of a staggered schedule.
Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were kept out of the current phase due to ongoing census operations and weather conditions in snow-bound areas, as per the official order issued by the ECI.
First launched in Bihar late last year, SIR triggered a major electoral and legal controversy, especially after it led to the disenfranchisement of 2.71 million people in West Bengal during assembly polls last month.
“I appeal to all electors to enthusiastically participate in the Phase III of Special Intensive Revision and fill their Enumeration Forms. SIR is being conducted with the objective to ensure that only eligible voters are included in the electoral roll and no ineligible names are included,” said chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Also Read: Why Election Commission left out J&K, Ladakh and Himachal from SIR rollout
Delhi is among the regions where SIR will be conducted.
In the Capital, the exercise will start on June 30, the draft roll released on August 5, and the final roll on October 7.
Delhi currently has 14.8 million people on its voter rolls. Among the five regions that are scheduled to go to the polls in early 2027,
Uttar Pradesh has completed the process and deleted 20.5 million names. Punjab, which has 21.4 million voters, will see the draft roll published on July 31 and final roll on October 1. Uttarakhand, with 7.97 million voters, will have its draft roll on July 14 and final roll on September 15. Manipur, with 2.09 million voters, will have its draft roll on July 5 and final roll on September 6. Goa completed the SIR process in an earlier phase.
The ECI order stated that the schedule for SIR Phase III has been fixed keeping in view the common field machinery with the ongoing house listing of census.
The SIR schedule for Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh will be announced separately after the completion of Phase II of the census in these three states and UTs, with weather conditions in upper reaches and snow-bound areas also factored into the decision. Over 394,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits for 367.3 million electors across 19 states and UTs.
They will be assisted by 342,000 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties during the enumeration phase.
ECI has requested all political parties to appoint BLAs for each polling booth to ensure complete transparency in the SIR process.
Maharashtra leads in BLO deployment with 97,924 officers covering 98.6 million electors, followed by Karnataka with 59,050 BLOs covering 55.5 million electors. For Phase III, no BLAs have been appointed in Meghalaya.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Election Commission likely to announce election schedule in poll-bound states/UT today SIR phase 2 begins in 12 states SIR Of Electoral Rolls Begins Across 12 States Election Commission appoints new observers to monitor SIR in eight States including Bengal Election Commission publishes list of deleted electors from first SIR draft list after SC order Phase two of SIR of electoral rolls in 12 States Second Phase Of SIR To Be Held In 12 States EC announces third phase of SIR Election Commission announces special intensive revision of voter rolls in 12 states Election Commission to hold press conference on Sunday
‘Do you have elections in India?’: NRI shuts down American with 17-word replyAn NRI shared that the American man, quite “unironically”, also asked them to enjoy lasagne, assuming the Indians had never heard of the dish. Updated on: May 15, 2026 7:04 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy
Just now
Red Fort blast part of al-Qaeda affiliated group's 'Heavenly Hind' operation, says NIA chargesheetNIA, so far, has arrested 11 persons in the Red Fort blast case while a probe is on to track absconders. Updated on: May 15, 2026 7:14 AM IST By Neeraj Chauhan Share via Copy link The November 10 car
Just now
NEET UG 2026 cancelled amid paper leak row, students, parents and educators react stronglyNEET UG 2026 was cancelled amid paper leak row on May 12, 2026. CBI is currently investigating the matter. Students, parents and educators have reacted. Updated on: May 14
Just now
The airline said the move is aimed at maintaining operational stability, controlling costs and avoiding last-minute disruptions for passengers. New Delhi: Amid rising fuel costs, ongoing tensions in West Asia and continued airspace restrictions across several regions
Just now
Anthropic’s Claude Code product head Cat Wu says the next phase of AI will be defined by proactive systems that can understand workflows, anticipate user needs and automate repetitive tasks. Her remarks highlight how AI-native tools are reshaping software development and productivity
Just now
India’s crude imports fall 17% amid supply shockThe decline in imports meant that despite a spike in global crude oil prices, India’s total crude oil import bill fell by around 5% on an annualised basis in March. Published on: May 15, 2026 7:54 AM IST By Rajeev Jayaswal Share via Copy link In
Just now
Britney Spears’ rep reacts to claims singer was walking around a restaurant in LA with a knife: ‘She was simply…’On May 14, it was reported that Britney Spears was sharing a table at a Los Angeles restaurant when she allegedly began "screaming" and "barking." May 15, 2026
Just now
Spotify has always been boasted as one of the best music streaming platforms. However, the pricing of the same has always been a concern in India. To tackle this situation, Spotify has finally changed the way the Premium plan works. And no kidding, you can also get the same for as low as Rs 69
Just now
PAN Card Mobile Number Change: The PAN card has become an essential document today. Without it, no financial transactions can be carried out. All necessary information on a PAN card must remain up-to-date; otherwise, difficulties may arise when attempting to use it in the future. Today
Just now
Mohali: Air India fined ₹50,000 over last-minute cancellationAirline cites runway maintenance by Airports Authority of India, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission says basic assistance not provided Published on: May 15, 2026 7:54 AM IST By HT Correspondent
Just now
Xi Jinping threw a grand welcome for Donald Trump on the first day of a visit that could reset ties between the rival superpowers. The military honour guard lined up outside the Great Hall of the People to welcome Trump, complete with a gun salute and a band playing the US national anthem
Just now
Reigan Heskey smashed home a late winner as Manchester City claimed bragging rights over bitter rivals Manchester United by winning the FA Youth Cup for the fifth time. In a repeat of the two-legged showpiece from 40 years ago, which City also triumphed in
Just now
Summer Special Trains: Ahead of the summer vacation rush, trains heading towards eastern India are witnessing heavy passenger traffic. To ease congestion and improve travel convenience, the Railways has announced several summer special trains for destinations including Dankuni and Howrah in West
Just now
Election Commission begins third phase of SIR across 16 states, 3 UTsThe SIR exercise sparked controversy after 2.71 million people were removed from voter rolls in West Bengal during last month’s assembly poll Updated on: May 15, 2026 7:52 AM IST By Harsh Yadav Share via Copy link The Election
Just now
When travelling, using pee sprays on the toilets can add an extra layer of hygiene, along with the use of disposable urination devices for women. People often control their urine for several hours a day when they have a busy work schedule, meetings or school or if they are travelling long distances
Just now
The prices of petrol and diesel were on Friday increased with immediate effect amid rising global oil prices and supply concerns amid the conflict in West Asia. In Delhi, the price of petrol increased by Rs 3 per litre to Rs 97.77 per litre from Rs 94.77 per litre. Diesel will cost Rs 99
Just now
Angel Reese opens up on Paige Bueckers friendship amid Atlanta's win vs WingsAngel Reese and Paige Bueckers, rivals on the court, share a strong friendship off it. Reese talked about their relationship before the Wings vs Dreams game. Updated on: May 15
Just now
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation rises to 8.3% in April 2026 on an annual basis, compared with 3.88% in March and 2.26% in February. WPI Inflation Data for April 2026: India’s wholesale price inflation accelerated sharply in April 2026
Just now
Mexico City gears up for the World Cup this summer. Visitors can explore historical sites like Zocalo and Chapultepec Park. The city boasts a diverse food scene from street tacos to fine dining. Eighteen public fan zones will broadcast matches for free
Just now
Finally, a high stakes Kolkata derby in ISLWin on Sunday and the title is all but theirs, lose and they could slip to fifth Published on: May 15, 2026 8:00 AM IST By Dhiman Sarkar Share via Copy link Proof of how little separates Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal this season lies not only in
Just now
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to activate e-admit card links this week for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. With the high-stakes exam scheduled for 24 May, lakhs of aspirants are awaiting access to the official portals—upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic
Just now
OAKLAND, Calif. — Lawyers for Elon Musk and OpenAI began closing arguments Thursday in the landmark trial whose outcome could shape the future of artificial intelligence. Musk, the world's richest man, was a co-founder of OpenAI, the company that launched in 2015 and went on to create ChatGPT
Just now
Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan on Thursday announced that the new Congress-led government in Kerala will be sworn in on May 18. The announcement comes days after the alliance registered a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, paving the way for a change in leadership and formation of
Just now
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared at the Calcutta High Court to make submissions regarding post-poll violence. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee highlighted widespread hooliganism and targeting of TMC workers. Petitioner Bikash Bhattacharya drew attention to the demolition of Muslim
Just now
Love Horoscope Today for May 15, 2026: Clear communication may begin a relationshipEmotional healing is essential; do not isolate yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people. Softness signifies strength. Published on: May 15, 2026 7:37 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries Love
Just now
Prepare for an AI jobs apocalypseIt is not here yet. But governments should lay a safety-net Published on: May 14, 2026 8:52 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 ignited the artificial-intelligence boom—and elicited a chorus of warnings from AI bosses of an
Just now
Mumbai Indians secured a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in their IPL clash. Tilak Varma's unbeaten 75 guided MI to chase down 201 with one ball remaining. Will Jacks also contributed with a quickfire 25. Earlier, Shardul Thakur took four wickets for MI, but Punjab Kings still posted 200 for 8
Just now
