Why is the ECI Concerned About Slow Document Authentication in Bengal?
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Synopsis
Kolkata is witnessing a crucial phase in the electoral process as the ECI raises concerns over the slow verification of identification documents from unmapped voters. With a deadline looming, can the District Magistrates expedite the authentication process in time for the final voters' list publication?
Key Takeaways
- ECI is concerned about slow document verification for unmapped voters.
- Deadline for final voters list is February 14.
- Only 11 lakh of 29 lakh voters have uploaded documents.
- Verification completed for around one lakh voters.
- Specific 13 documents accepted as valid ID proof.
Kolkata, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has raised alarms regarding the sluggish pace of verifying identification documents submitted by “unmapped” voters engaged in the current hearings related to the draft voters' list in West Bengal.
In light of this, the Commission has instructed the District Magistrates (DMs), who also serve as District Electoral Officers (DEOs), to hasten the document authentication process, especially with the final voters list set to be published by February 14 this year.
Presently, hearings for the “unmapped voters”—those who cannot establish connections with the voters’ list from 2002 via “self-mapping” or “progeny-mapping”—are ongoing.
According to data from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, out of 32 lakh unmapped voters, hearings have been finalised for approximately 29 lakh voters by Wednesday evening.
However, of those 29 lakh voters, only about 11 lakh have had their supporting identification documents uploaded into the system.
The third stage, which involves the verification of these identity documents by the respective DMs or DEOs, has only been completed for around one lakh of the “unmapped” voters. Consequently, the ECI has urged the DMs and DEOs to expedite this verification process, as stated by a source within the CEO’s office.
The ECI also reminded the DMs/DEOs that only the 13 specified supporting identity documents would be accepted as valid proof of identity.
“There have been multiple instances where voters submitted documents outside the 13 specified by the ECI. Therefore, a renewed reminder has been issued to the DMs and DEOs,” the source mentioned.
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal is expected to wrap up with the final voters’ list publication on February 14. Following this, the ECI is anticipated to announce the polling dates for the Assembly elections.
Point of View
It is crucial that all stakeholders work collaboratively to meet the upcoming deadlines and uphold the integrity of our democratic system.
NationPress
15/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of document verification for unmapped voters in West Bengal?
Currently, only about one lakh out of 32 lakh unmapped voters have had their supporting identity documents verified, raising concerns from the ECI.
What deadline is the ECI working towards?
The ECI aims to publish the final voters' list by February 14, necessitating expedited document verification.
What specific documents are accepted for voter identification?
The ECI has specified 13 types of supporting identity documents that are accepted for voter verification.
