Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) R S Gopalan on Tuesday stressed the need to tackle any misleading information regarding the initiative of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the 2026 Electoral Rolls in the state.
During meeting with the District Information and Public Relations Officers held on virtual mode, the CEO spoke on the noble objectives and contemporary necessity of the SIR initiative, voters’ eligibility, and measures to counter misleading information regarding the drive, which is set to start soon.
Gopalan also highlighted the crucial role of District I & PR officers in creating awareness among people at the grassroots level.
“The Election Commission of India has earned special global recognition for its dedicated and impartial functioning over the years. To preserve that hard-earned reputation, it is essential to effectively counter misleading and false information,” the CEO said.
The ECI lays utmost emphasis on ensuring that no eligible voter’s name is deleted from the electoral roll and that no ineligible person’s name is included in the list, he said.
Gopalan further stated that all related activities in Odisha are being carried out in accordance with this directive.
Deputy CEO Lakshmiprasad Sahu briefed the officials on various aspects of the SIR through a presentation. He also shared information about the key measures taken by the ECI in the context of the Bihar elections.
The Deputy CEO also added that after receiving any information about misleading claims, such as several voters’ names being deleted from the list at once, incorrect details provided by Booth Level Officers, houses without numbers, and multiple registrations under a single address, the District I&PR Officers must promptly share accurate information with the public and counter such misinformation without delay.
Sahu advised that the press releases and information regularly received from the CEO, should be continuously disseminated through social and other media to ensure awareness among people at the grassroots level. Creative suggestions should also be shared with the CEO’s office.
Earlier, on September 26, the CEO had requested all District Collectors and District Election Officers (DEOs) to ensure meticulous planning and timely execution of every activity, so that the SIR of the 2026 Electoral Rolls can be conducted in a smooth and transparent manner.