The West Bengal draft electoral roll publication under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise marks a crucial step in preparing for the 2026 Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released the draft rolls, allowing citizens to verify their names, check deletions, and appeal if necessary. With over 7.08 crore voters included and 58 lakh names deleted, the exercise reflects both the scale of Bengal’s electorate and the challenges of maintaining accuracy.
2. Background of the SIR Exercise
- The SIR is a periodic revision of electoral rolls conducted by the ECI.
- It ensures that rolls are updated with new voters, corrections, and deletions.
- In Bengal, the exercise was completed on schedule, unlike other states that requested extensions.
- The draft rolls are now open for public scrutiny.
3. West Bengal Draft Electoral Roll: Figures
- Total voters in Bengal: 7.66 crore.
- Names included in draft rolls: 7.08 crore.
- Forms not filled: 58 lakh (marked as dead, shifted, absent, or duplicate).
- Flagged voters for hearings: 1.67 crore.
4. How to Check Your Name
Citizens can verify their status by:
- Visiting the CEO West Bengal portal: https://ceowestbengal.gov.in.
- Entering their EPIC number or constituency details.
- Searching booth‑wise for their name.
- If missing, filing an appeal with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
5. Hearings and Appeals
- Voters flagged during the SIR will be called for hearings.
- Notices will be sent to registered mobile numbers.
- Citizens can present documents (EPIC card, proof of residence, age certificates).
- Appeals can be made to the district election officer or the CEO West Bengal if unsatisfied.
6. Government External Links for Assistance
- Election Commission of India: https://eci.gov.in
- Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal: https://ceowestbengal.gov.in
- National Voter Service Portal (NVSP): https://www.nvsp.in
- Ministry of Law and Justice (Election Laws): https://lawmin.gov.in
7. Legal Framework
The voter list revision process is governed by:
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951.
- Election Commission guidelines on electoral rolls.
- Supreme Court rulings on electoral transparency.
8. Historical Context of Electoral Rolls in Bengal
- 2002 SIR: Reports of duplication and errors.
- 2014 Lok Sabha elections: Complaints of missing voters.
- 2021 Assembly polls: Allegations of irregularities led to stricter monitoring.
- 2025 SIR: Largest deletion exercise yet, with 58 lakh names removed.
9. Challenges in Maintaining Accurate Rolls
- Migration: High mobility of workers across states.
- Urbanization: Rapid changes in addresses.
- Illiteracy: Errors in forms filled by citizens.
- Political interference: Allegations of manipulation by parties.
10. Global Comparisons
Countries with advanced voter verification systems:
- Estonia: Digital ID linked to national databases.
- Canada: Address verification through utility bills.
- Brazil: Biometric verification integrated with voting.
India’s manual enumeration makes errors more likely, especially in rural areas.
11. Governance Lessons
The Bengal SIR exercise highlights:
- Need for stronger verification mechanisms.
- Transparency through hearings and camps.
- Accountability of electoral officers.
- Citizen empowerment through awareness campaigns.
12. Future Outlook – Smart Electoral Rolls
India must move towards:
- Digital voter rolls linked to Aadhaar and biometrics.
- AI‑based error detection in enumeration forms.
- Online correction portals accessible to rural citizens.
- Integration with property and census records to prevent duplication.
13. Conclusion
The West Bengal draft electoral roll publication under the SIR exercise is a landmark in electoral transparency. While the deletion of 58 lakh names has raised concerns, the hearing process offers citizens a chance to restore their voting rights. By combining technology, accountability, and citizen participation, India can strengthen its democracy and ensure that every eligible voter is counted.
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