West Bengal Electors Get Hearing Reprieve Amid Logistical Hurdles

Image Source: Internet

In a move to address the practical challenges faced by voters temporarily living outside West Bengal, the state's chief electoral officer has announced an exemption from personal appearance for Special Intensive Revision of Rolls (SIR) hearings. The exemption applies to voters who are away from the state for studies, employment, medical treatment, or other reasons, including those abroad. The decision, announced through a memo to all District Election Officers, allows electors to be represented by a family member with required documents, including proof of relationship and identity. This move aims to ensure that voters who are temporarily away are not disadvantaged in the verification process. The revision of electoral rolls has raised concerns among students, migrant workers, and others living outside the state, who were unable to travel back for hearings within the stipulated time. The exemption is a step towards addressing these issues and making the process more accessible to eligible voters. The directive follows earlier relaxations announced by the Election Commission for other categories of voters, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. The verification officer will examine the documents submitted by the family member and record the submission in the same manner as in cases where the elector appears personally. The move has been welcomed by civil society groups, who argue that mandatory personal appearance could lead to exclusion of eligible voters. The West Bengal CEO's directive aims to strike a balance between ensuring the integrity of the electoral roll and addressing the practical difficulties faced by voters. The SIR process involves verification of entries that could not be linked with earlier electoral roll data, including unmapped cases and logical discrepancy cases. The exemption is a relief for voters who were facing logistical hurdles in attending hearings in person. The Election Commission's efforts to make the process more accessible to eligible voters are a step towards ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process.