Telangana's Special Intensive Revision Faces One-Month Delay
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Telangana is expected to be postponed by approximately one month, with the exercise now likely to occur in May instead of April. This delay stems from significant concerns regarding the sluggish progress of pre-SIR mapping activities in key urban areas, particularly Hyderabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts.
Electoral Machinery Occupied with Other Priorities
Chief Electoral Officer C Sudharshan Reddy confirmed the postponement, citing the engagement of Election Commission of India (ECI) machinery in ongoing elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Additionally, the nationwide census operation has further strained resources. "SIR is not happening in April. It may likely be in May," Reddy stated, emphasizing that while Telangana does not deploy teachers for SIR—unlike other states where teachers handle both census and SIR duties—the decision to delay was made to ensure proper execution.
Poor Progress in Pre-SIR Mapping
The delay is primarily attributed to inadequate pre-SIR mapping in Hyderabad and Medchal-Malkajgiri, where low mapping percentages have raised alarms. Complaints have emerged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are disproportionately focusing on bastis, slums, and specific localities, leaving many residential colonies unvisited. Residents from various areas report that BLOs have not conducted necessary field visits, jeopardizing the mapping process.
Sudharshan Reddy warned that if BLOs fail to complete pre-SIR mapping promptly, the task will become exceedingly difficult during the actual SIR period, which lasts only one month. He noted that district election officers in affected areas have been instructed to investigate these complaints and ensure comprehensive coverage.
Staff Diversion and Address Mismatch Issues
Further complicating the situation, the mapping exercise is being hampered by the diversion of civic staff to other critical duties. Employees from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), as well as Cyberabad and Malkajgiri civic bodies, have been reassigned to property tax collection drives, as revenue generation has taken precedence. This reallocation has significantly impacted the pace of pre-SIR mapping.
Additionally, there are concerns about limited awareness of the mapping process even among some booth-level officers, exacerbating coordination challenges. Residents, including those from Andhra Pradesh and other states, are struggling with address mismatches, making it difficult to complete mapping accurately. Many are attempting to contact authorities to arrange special surveys to address these discrepancies.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
The delay in SIR underscores broader logistical and resource challenges in Telangana's electoral preparation. With the ECI machinery stretched thin and local staff diverted to revenue-generating activities, ensuring timely and accurate voter list revisions remains a pressing issue. Authorities are now tasked with accelerating pre-SIR mapping efforts to mitigate further delays and maintain electoral integrity.
