Will Each ERO in Bengal Handle 150 Claims Daily for Voter Drafts from December 27?
Synopsis
In a significant move, each Electoral Registration Officer in West Bengal will tackle 150 daily claims regarding the draft voters' list starting December 27. This initiative by the Election Commission aims to streamline the electoral process ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
Each ERO will manage 150 claims daily.
Hearings aim to resolve voter registration issues.
Second and third phases of SIR are underway.
Final voters' list to be published on February 14.
Booth-level officers are key to voter engagement.
Kolkata, Dec 23 (NationPress) Starting from Saturday, each Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) in West Bengal will manage 150 cases daily concerning claims and objections related to the draft voters' list, following the directive from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
This daily target is designed to align with the timeline for the second and third phases of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, ensuring that hearings conclude within a suitable timeframe to meet the deadline for the final voters' list publication on February 14 next year, as indicated by sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal.
Initially, the Commission contemplated a target of 100 hearings per day. However, they ultimately settled on 150 to allow adequate time for reviewing decisions made during these hearings prior to the final voters' list being published on February 14 next year, according to sources.
Each hearing table will be staffed by one ERO, one Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO), and one specially appointed micro-observer from the Commission to oversee the sessions.
The micro-observers will guide personnel from the central government, central public sector undertakings, or public banks, all categorized as Group B employees. The Commission specified that all micro-observers will be sourced from employees currently stationed in West Bengal.
The notification process for hearings commenced on Monday, with booth-level officers (BLOs) visiting voters' homes to deliver two copies of the notices.
Voters will keep one copy and return the other after signing it. The hearings will occur in two phases. The first phase will address “unmapped voters”, who lack connections to the 2002 list through “self mapping” or “progeny mapping”.
The second phase will focus on cases with questionable family tree data identified in “progeny mapping”.
The draft voters' list was released on December 16, and the final voters' list is set to be published on February 14. Following this, the Election Commission of India will announce the polling dates for the significant Assembly elections scheduled in West Bengal next year.
Point of View
This initiative by the Election Commission reflects a proactive approach to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in West Bengal. By increasing the daily hearings to 150, the Commission is prioritizing voter engagement and addressing objections efficiently, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral system.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Electoral Registration Officer?
The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is responsible for managing the registration of voters, handling claims and objections related to the voters' list, and ensuring the electoral process runs smoothly.
Why are hearings being conducted for claims and objections?
Hearings for claims and objections are conducted to address discrepancies in the draft voters' list, ensuring that all eligible voters are correctly registered and that any issues are resolved before the final list is published.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is an initiative by the Election Commission to update and revise the voters' list, ensuring its accuracy ahead of elections.
When will the final voters' list be published?
The final voters' list is scheduled to be published on February 14 of next year.
How are voters notified about the hearings?
Booth-level officers (BLOs) deliver notices to voters, providing them with copies to keep and return after signing, ensuring they are informed about the hearings.
