Is the Notification for SIR in Bengal Coming After CEC Meeting This Week?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Upcoming SIR notification is crucial for West Bengal.
- Meeting in New Delhi will decide electoral process.
- Voters from 2002 list will be automatically validated.
- New voters require proof of citizenship.
- Aadhaar alone is insufficient for new voter registration.
Kolkata, Oct 21 (NationPress) The official notification for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal is anticipated to be revealed shortly after the significant meeting involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) from all states in New Delhi this week, officials informed on Tuesday.
The meeting, chaired by Kumar, is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, with the primary focus being on SIRs in various states, especially in West Bengal, as Assembly elections are slated for next year, according to an insider from the West Bengal CEO’s office.
“In addition to the CEOs from all states, several senior officials from the CEOs' offices have also been invited to attend this critical two-day meeting,” the insider added.
The SIR process has already concluded in Bihar, which is preparing for polls this year.
The Election Commission (EC) has made it clear that the current priority lies with states facing Assembly elections next year.
The last SIR conducted in West Bengal was in 2002.
The mapping and matching process of the existing voters’ list with that from 2002 is nearing completion, and representatives from the West Bengal CEO's office are expected to provide updates to the Election Commission during this week’s two-day meeting.
West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal clarified last week that voters whose names appeared on the 2002 list will automatically be recognized as valid voters.
Voters currently lacking names on the 2002 list will need to submit proof of citizenship, as outlined by the EC.
However, it’s important to note that an Aadhaar card alone will not suffice; individuals will need to provide one of the additional documents required by the EC.
The SIR is expected to proceed in West Bengal amid strong opposition from the Trinamool Congress government.