Bihar 1st in country to get a cap of 1,200 voters per booth

NEW DELHI: Bihar has become the first state in country to have a cap of 1,200 electors per polling station (PS), as against the current countrywide norm of a maximum 1,500 electors per PS. The reduced upper limit has added 12,817 polling stations in state, taking their statewide strength to 90,712 from 77,895 prior to the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise.

This information was put out by EC in its latest update on SIR, which has put the number of enumeration forms yet to be turned in at just 29.6 lakh, making up 3.8% of the state’s 7.9-crore electorate.

According to the poll panel, the additional polling stations in Bihar — the need for which, as per SIR instructions dated June 24, was to be assessed by electoral registration officer (ERO) based on a cap of 1,200 electors, except with prior approval of the commission — will prevent long queues of electors on polling day. EC underlined that the cap of 1,200 electors per PS would be enforced across other states and UTs as well. EC earlier said SIR would be undertaken across country, schedule for which it would declare separately.

The strength of the Indian electorate stood at over 99 crore, as per the electoral roll revised with Jan 1, 2025 as the reference date. During 2024 general election, the total number of electors in India was around 96.8 crore and the number of polling stations around 10.5 lakh, with each PS accommodating up to 1,500 electors. Working with over two crore electors added since LS poll and a reduced cap of 1,200 electors per PS, the number of PS across country is bound to see a notable increase.

On Aug 1, EROs will invite objections from the public for any additions/deletions/rectification in the draft electoral roll; a full one month will be available for the same.