Has the West Bengal CEO Initiated the Printing of SIR Application Forms?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has ordered the printing of Special Intensive Revision application forms, hinting that the electoral exercise may commence after the Durga Puja celebrations. This initiative is poised to address concerns about illegal voters in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Printing of SIR application forms has been ordered by the CEO of West Bengal.
- A training program for 4,000 officials has been initiated.
- Approximately 75,000 booth-level officers will receive training before Durga Puja.
- A total of 15 crore forms are expected to be printed.
- Concerns over illegal voters have sparked political debate.
Kolkata, Sep 16 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has issued directives to commence the printing of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) application forms, also known as enumeration forms, in the state. This development has led to speculations that the SIR process may take place following the Durga Puja celebrations.
On Tuesday, the CEO initiated training for the officials responsible for the SIR process in West Bengal. Approximately 4,000 officials, including EROs, AEROs, ADMs, and some DMs, participated in this training session.
Before the Durga Puja festivities, the remaining 75,000 booth-level officers in the state are set to receive SIR training. The CEO's office has indicated that EROs and AEROs will oversee the training of the BLOs, with a completion deadline of September 21-22.
According to sources within the CEO's office, the number of forms to be printed will be double the total number of voters in West Bengal. Currently, there are around 7.65 crore voters in the state, necessitating the printing of roughly 15 crore forms.
Given the scale of this task, the CEO's office has requested information on which districts can facilitate the printing of these forms. If any district is unable to print the required forms, they will be printed and dispatched from Kolkata.
In a previous instance in Bihar, forms were printed from a single location, which prolonged the process. This time, the plan is to conduct printing across various districts, which is expected to expedite the work.
The BJP has been advocating for the SIR of West Bengal's electoral rolls, alleging that many illegal voters, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya individuals, are included in the current voter list. Conversely, the ruling Trinamool Congress opposes this initiative, with party leader Mamata Banerjee threatening to escalate the situation if the names of lawful citizens are removed from the voter list.
Point of View
The recent directive by West Bengal's CEO to print SIR application forms highlights the ongoing debate surrounding electoral integrity. While the BJP raises valid concerns over illegal voters, the ruling party's resistance underscores the complexities in managing electoral rolls. It’s essential to balance the need for accurate voter representation with the rights of genuine citizens.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SIR application forms?
SIR application forms, or Special Intensive Revision forms, are used in the electoral process to update and revise the voter list.
Why is the printing of these forms significant?
The printing of SIR forms is crucial as it indicates an impending revision of the electoral rolls, aimed at ensuring the accuracy of the voter list.
How many forms will be printed?
Approximately 15 crore forms are set to be printed, which is double the number of current voters in West Bengal.
When will the SIR process take place?
The SIR process is expected to commence after the Durga Puja festivities.
What is the political response to the SIR initiative?
The BJP supports the SIR citing concerns over illegal voters, while the ruling Trinamool Congress opposes it, fearing the removal of legitimate citizens from the voter list.
