In a strong endorsement of Odisha’s administrative efficiency, senior officials of the Election Commission of India have lauded the state’s seamless execution of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 programme.
Principal Secretary of the Election Commission, S.B. Joshi, and Secretary Sujit Kumar Mishra conducted high-level review meetings in Dhenkanal and Anugola districts, respectively, on Thursday. Both officers expressed deep satisfaction with the field-level implementation and praised the district administrations for their meticulous and error-free approach to voter list preparation.
During the reviews, officials inspected polling stations and digitisation centres, witnessing first-hand the dedication of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and election machinery.
The Commission particularly appreciated the innovative strategies and best practices adopted by Odisha, with a team from Maharashtra’s Chief Electoral Officer’s office also present in Dhenkanal to study the model.
Impressive Ground Progress
In Dhenkanal district, the drive has achieved near-perfect coverage. Out of 9,53,757 registered voters, 9,48,423 (99.44%) have received enumeration forms, while data of 7,27,206 voters (76.25%) has already been digitised.
Similarly, statewide as of June 18 evening, 99.38% of voters (over 3.31 crore) received forms, and 62.74% (nearly 2.95 crore) have been digitised.
Speaking after the review in Anugola, Secretary Sujit Kumar Mishra commended the District Collector and election officials for their commitment to preparing a “correct, transparent, error-free, and inclusive” voter list. He also held direct interactions with BLOs and supervisors to understand grassroots challenges and solutions.
The Election Commission has described Odisha’s performance as exemplary, setting a high standard for other states in the nationwide SIR-2026 exercise aimed at cleaning and updating electoral rolls ahead of future elections.
With such enthusiastic central appreciation and impressive numbers, Odisha is clearly emerging as a frontrunner in ensuring electoral integrity and voter empowerment.
