The office of the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has instructed all District Electoral Officers (who also serve as District Magistrates) to personally visit marginalised and vulnerable electors, such as sex workers and tribal groups, to facilitate the inclusion of eligible voters as part of hearings being held for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Vulnerable communities have repeatedly appealed for relaxation of SIR norms, in cases where they cannot produce documentary evidence or establish linkages to the 2002 list despite being eligible voters.
“The DEO shall cause a public hearing to be held, record statements, and prepare formal proceedings duly supported by videography, along with a verified list of eligible persons identified during such enquiry,” a letter issued by the Additional Chief Electoral Officer dated December 31 reads, referring to a video conference by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti the day before.
Consult booth agents
The DEOs have also been instructed to consult booth-level agents appointed by political parties during the enquiry and take into consideration their views during the proceedings.
