What’s the Update on SIR in Bengal: 99.63% Forms Digitized and 57 Lakh Excludable Voters Identified?
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Synopsis
In a significant development during the Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal, over 99.63% of enumeration forms are digitized. Alarmingly, more than 57 lakh voters are potentially excludable, including many deceased. This process is critical as it leads to the upcoming draft voters' list publication and the crucial Assembly elections.
Key Takeaways
- 99.63% of enumeration forms have been digitized.
- More than 57 lakh potentially excludable voters identified.
- Next steps include the publication of the draft voters' list on December 16.
- Final electoral roll to be released on February 14.
- Show-cause notices issued to electoral officials for non-compliance.
Kolkata, Dec 10 (NationPress) In the midst of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, an impressive 99.63 percent of enumeration forms have been successfully digitized, revealing that the count of potentially excludable voters exceeds 57 lakhs.
The digitization process is set to conclude by the evening of December 11, followed by the release of the draft voters' list on December 16.
As per information from the office of the Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) in West Bengal, out of the 57 lakh potentially excludable voters, just over 24 lakh have unfortunately passed away.
Additionally, the count of voters who have moved is slightly above 20 lakhs, while the number of untraceable voters stands at approximately 11 lakhs.
The remaining potentially excludable voters are either duplicates, having their names listed in multiple records, or are excluded for various other reasons.
In a related development, the CEO's office issued show-cause notices to two booth-level officers (BLO), one electoral resignation officer (ERO), and one assistant electoral resignation officer (AERO) for intentionally disregarding the guidelines set forth by the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the revision procedure.
All four officials with show-cause notices are affiliated with the Baruipur (Purba) Assembly constituency located in the South 24 Parganas district.
The first phase of the three-phase SIR will wrap up with the announcement of the draft voters' list on December 16.
Following the completion of the second phase, the final stage will culminate in the release of the definitive electoral roll on February 14. The ECI is anticipated to declare the dates for the pivotal Assembly elections in the state shortly after.
On Wednesday, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the CEO of West Bengal, is scheduled to convene an important meeting with five additional special roll observers appointed by the ECI last week. These observers will oversee five organizational divisions across the state.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that the digitization of voter data reflects the ongoing commitment to electoral transparency. However, the identification of over 57 lakh potentially excludable voters raises concerns that warrant scrutiny. It's imperative for the Election Commission to ensure that this process is handled with diligence to maintain public trust in the electoral system.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process undertaken to update and verify the electoral rolls, ensuring that the voter list is accurate and current.
Why are there potentially excludable voters?
Potentially excludable voters include individuals who may be deceased, have moved, or are duplicates in the electoral records.
What are the next steps after the draft voters' list is published?
Following the publication of the draft voters' list, there will be a period for objections and corrections, leading to the final electoral roll which will be published on February 14.
How does this digitization impact the elections?
The digitization of voter data enhances the accuracy of electoral rolls, ensuring that the elections are fair and inclusive.
What actions can voters take if they find discrepancies in the list?
Voters can file objections or corrections during the designated period after the draft voters' list is published.
