Is Bengal SIR Making Progress with Digitisation?

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Is Bengal SIR Making Progress with Digitisation?

Synopsis

The digitisation of enumeration forms in West Bengal under the ECI's Special Intensive Revision is showing promising results, with a notable completion rate of 26%. Discover how the ECI's strategic targets are driving this initiative and the implications for the upcoming electoral process.

Key Takeaways

  • 26% of digitisation completed
  • 1.95 crore forms digitised
  • Daily targets set for BLOs
  • Showcause notices issued for slow progress
  • FIRs filed against interfering BLAs

Kolkata, Nov 21 (NationPress) The digitisation of enumeration forms in the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in West Bengal is progressing well, with nearly 26 percent of the task completed as of now.

As per the most recent data from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, by 6 p.m. on Thursday, 1.95 crore enumeration forms have been digitised, representing 25.5 percent of the total 7,64,11,983 forms allocated to voters throughout the state.

The total count of electors in West Bengal, based on the electoral roll dated October 27, stands at 7,66,37,529, indicating that 2,25,546 enumeration forms are still pending distribution.

An insider from the CEO's office revealed that the digitisation process has accelerated after the ECI established a daily target for booth-level officers across the state.

According to this target, each Booth Level Officer (BLO) is required to upload 150 enumeration forms collected from voters using a dedicated app supplied by the ECI. This daily goal was set in light of the commission's previous aim to finalize the digitisation process by the end of November.

The insider also mentioned that the commission is taking the digitisation effort very seriously and has issued showcause notices to seven BLOs in Kolkata on Thursday due to their sluggish pace.

Earlier this month, the ECI had already issued showcause notices to eight BLOs for reportedly using shortcut methods to distribute enumeration forms instead of adhering to the ECI's guideline of conducting door-to-door visits.

Moreover, the CEO's office has filed FIRs against eight Booth Level Agents (BLAs), all linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress, due to allegations of meddling in the distribution of enumeration forms and taking possession of them from BLOs for their own distribution.

Point of View

It is crucial to observe that the digitisation of enumeration forms is an essential step towards ensuring transparency and efficiency in the electoral process. The ECI's proactive measures, including setting daily targets and monitoring progress, reflect a commitment to uphold democratic values. The ongoing scrutiny of BLOs involved in this process further reinforces the integrity of the electoral system.
NationPress
21/11/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of digitisation in West Bengal?
As of now, approximately 26% of the enumeration forms have been digitised, with the Election Commission of India actively monitoring the process.
How many enumeration forms are still pending distribution?
There are still 2,25,546 enumeration forms that have yet to be distributed among the voters in West Bengal.
What actions has the ECI taken in response to slow digitisation?
The ECI has issued showcause notices to several BLOs in Kolkata for their slow digitisation efforts and has also filed FIRs against certain BLAs for interfering in the distribution process.
Nation Press