If you are thinking of making a new voter card or adding your name to the voter list for the first time, then there is a big news for you. The Election Commission has made a big change overnight. The Commission has made a major change in Form 6 on its ECINET portal and removed the additional 'SIR Declaration Form' from it. This step has been implemented in those states where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has been completed. After this, the Election Commission has also clarified that no changes have been made in Form 6.
Let us tell you that a few days ago a report was presented quoting the Indian Express. It was said that two Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections 14 times in the last 10 months regarding the decisions taken by the Commission, especially on SIR. Since then, the opposition is raising questions on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
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What changes have been made?
A few days ago, on September 26, the Commission had made it clear that in the states where the SIR work has been completed, now only the common Form 6 will be filled as per the rules. This change was implemented on the portal 4 days after this decision of the Commission, i.e. late Wednesday night. Now new applicants will not have to fill additional forms proving old records.
Statement issued by ECI
An ECI official has issued a statement and clarified on this matter. The official has said that no changes have been made in Form 6, either during the SIR or at the time after the SIR. The declaration form was an additional document that was asked for in those states/union territories. There was done as per SIR order dated 24th June 2025 and subsequent orders. Also said that where SIR has been completed. There will be no need for declaration form there.
Let us tell you that Form 6 is legally filled for first-time voters or for new registration. It requires name, date of birth, address, mobile number, Aadhar, birth certificate and address proof. During SIR, the Commission had attached a separate declaration form called 'Annexure D' along with this original form. It has been removed. The Commission says that this will reduce the problems of the people.
What was being asked in 'Annexure D'?
Under the SIR process, information about their old family records was being sought from new applicants. In this the applicant had to choose one of three options. First, was his name present in the previous SIR voter list? Second, if his name was not there, were the names of his parents or grandparents in the old list? And lastly, if one's own or any family member's name was not in the old list, then the third option had to be chosen.
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What was the dispute?
According to reports published in the Indian Express, two Election Commissioners of the Election Commission had objected to this arrangement. He said that Form 6 is a legal form which comes under the 'Electoral Registration Rules, 1960'. Any change in this can be made not only through the order of the Commission but also through legal amendment in the rules. Even though this declaration form was declared 'non-essential' on the portal, in practice, without filling it, the applicant's form could not be submitted online, due to which people were facing a lot of trouble.
Earlier, Maharashtra CEO had also raised questions on ECINet and demanded changes in it. The SIR process in Maharashtra has reached the final stage. Maharashtra CEO has written a letter to the Election Commission demanding 4 changes in ECINet software. The main change in these changes is that election officials will be given the facility to take decisions at their own level in those matters which the law already allows.