West Bengal Government Announces Rs 2 Lakh Financial Aid for Families Affected by SIR-Linked Deaths

Kolkata:

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday that her government would provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of 39 individuals who, according to her, died due to "SIR-induced panic," including suicide cases.

Additionally, 13 others who became ill during the SIR exercise, including three booth-level officers (BLOs) allegedly overwhelmed by "excessive workload," would receive Rs 1 lakh each.

The Chief Minister, referencing government assessments, stated that the implementation of SIR on November 4 has generated widespread fear and distress among certain segments of the population.

"To date, 39 ordinary citizens, including four BLOs, have died due to the SIR panic, including suicides. Their families will receive financial assistance," she declared following a review of the state's 14-year development record at the state secretariat Nabanna.

Banerjee further noted that 13 others were currently undergoing treatment after collapsing or becoming critically ill during enumeration-related duties.

The state has also documented allegations of BLO deaths attributed to "work pressure." Banerjee mentioned four such fatalities had been reported, and the government had already provided Rs 2 lakh each to the families of these officials.

According to officials, the first reported suicide connected to SIR-related panic occurred on the initial day of the exercise, when Pradip Kar, a resident of Khardah in North 24 Parganas, took his own life.

Since then, deaths reported during the enumeration phase include nearly half due to suicide, with the remainder attributed to cardiac arrest and brain strokes, according to sources.

The Chief Minister accused the Centre of "weaponising" the revision process and affirmed that her government would support those affected.

"We will not allow people to be traumatised or intimidated. The state will support every affected family," she emphasized.