Married Women Facing the Heat of SIR in Bihar Ahead of Electoral Roll Publication.

As the deadline for form submission under the Special Summary Revision (SIR) ends across Bihar, a rising concern is dominating local discussions: married women are being sidelined from voter registration due to bureaucratic document demands.

The draft SIR electoral roll is set to be published on August 1, 2025, but many newly married women are being asked to submit documents that prove their linkage to their parents' household — a demand that many call unfair and outdated.

“They are asking for school certificates or birth documents I no longer have access to. These were left behind after my marriage years ago.” – Sunita Kumari, Samastipur

🔍 What’s the Issue?

Most married women in Bihar change residences after marriage and often drop their maiden surnames. This results in a lack of parental documentation at their new address. The Election Commission’s current rules under SIR insist on verifying such connections to prevent voter fraud, but women’s rights groups say the policy ignores reality.

⚠️ Why It’s a Concern

• ❌ Thousands of women may be left out of the final electoral roll
• 📜 Required documents are often unavailable or hard to retrieve
• 💬 Lack of awareness about options and objections period
• 🏛️ No clear guidance from district officials on alternate documents like Aadhaar or marriage certificates

📣 Voices from the Ground

“This is an administrative blind spot. Women shouldn’t lose their voting rights due to document technicalities.” – Neelam Devi, Social Activist

🗳️ What Happens Next?

District officials say an objection window opens after August 1, but activists warn many women in rural Bihar may not know how to file corrections—especially with limited internet access or local support.

Unless alternate document options (like husband-linked Aadhaar, marriage certificates, or old voter IDs) are formally accepted, this issue could impact thousands of relocated or first-time voters.

🏛️ Political Implications

With the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 approaching, voter exclusion could trigger a gender imbalance in turnout. Bihar has seen a steady rise in women’s participation, and any disruption could undermine these gains.

📢 Call to Action: Don’t Let Your Vote Go to Waste!

• 🗓 Check your voter status after August 1, 2025
• 📋 Visit your local ERO office if your name is missing
• 📲 Use the official website: voters.eci.gov.in
• 📞 Dial 1950 — Election Commission helpline
• 📑 Keep documents like Aadhaar, marriage certificate, and old voter ID ready
• 🧍‍♀️ Women facing difficulties: reach out to local helplines or file Form 8 for correction

Ensuring equal access to voting rights is not just a legal requirement — it's a democratic duty. The Election Commission of India must urgently address this gap to ensure no woman is left behind in the voter roll.