Sonagachi Sex Workers Demand Inclusion in Voter List Amid SIR Update in West Bengal

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Sex workers in Kolkata's Sonagachi are urging the government to include their names in the voter list as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process continues in West Bengal. Many fear being left out due to a lack of documentation, with some having no connection with their parents or original homes. A local NGO, Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee, has submitted a written appeal to the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, demanding special verification camps within Sonagachi. They propose on-site registration drives, allowing sex workers to self-declare their residence with NGO or peer verification. Secretary Bishakha Laskar emphasized that many sex workers lack documents, as they left their homes years ago and have no contact with their families. 'Sex workers received their Voter ID Cards in 2002 and began exercising their voting rights. We urge the government to consider our available documents, such as Aadhaar Cards, PAN Cards, and Ration Cards, for voter enrollment,' she said. The committee has sent a written application for 12,000 sex workers present at Sonagachi brothel, demanding their names be enrolled in the voter list based on available documents. The Election Commission has assured that special measures are being taken to ensure all eligible citizens are included. As part of the SIR process, over 95% of Enumeration Forms have been distributed across 12 states and Union Territories in Phase II. The Election Commission has deployed over 5.33 lakh Booth Level Officers and 10.41 lakh Booth Level Agents to facilitate the process. The final elector's list is expected to be published on February 7, 2026.