The second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal is nearing completion, and the final voter list is expected to be published on February 14, as scheduled, according to the Election Commission.
Commission officials said the second phase of the SIR involves around 1.51 crore hearings related to unmapped names and data inconsistencies in the voter database. Of these, more than 1.2 crore hearings have already been completed. The Commission is prioritising administrative efficiency to ensure the process is concluded within the stipulated timeframe.
Commission sources revealed that necessary documents have so far been uploaded in approximately 95 lakh cases, while verification has been completed for about 55 lakh applicants. Notices have also been issued to all concerned voters, bringing the second phase of the SIR close to completion.
However, challenges persist in cases involving unmapped names. Officials explained that if individuals whose names have been marked as unmapped submit fresh applications for voter registration by filling out the prescribed forms, those applications are also being included in the hearing process. Despite this, the Commission believes that a majority of such names are likely to be excluded from the final voter list.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission has sought detailed information from the state government regarding booth infrastructure. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has written to the Chief Secretary seeking details on the designated nodal officer, the number of polling booths in each area, and their current operational status. According to Commission sources, this move is aimed at reviewing infrastructure preparedness ahead of the elections.
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