Electoral Commission Issues Warning After Improper Distribution of SIR Forms in West Bengal

The second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has recently commenced.

In Kolkata, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has received numerous complaints against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from several political parties in West Bengal. These complaints concern BLOs distributing SIR enumeration forms at inappropriate locations such as tea stalls, local clubs, street corners, schools, and various other public places.

Reports indicate citizens hurrying to street corners to obtain their forms from BLOs. Although these officers received training for the distribution process, some have violated the ECI's established guidelines, causing embarrassment for the state's chief electoral officer (CEO).

Following these incidents, the ECI has issued a stern warning to senior poll officers, instructing them to strictly adhere to the commission's guidelines.

In a related incident, a man was found hanging from a tree in Bengal, with his family alleging stress related to the SIR process.

The ECI has reiterated that BLOs must distribute enumeration forms exclusively by visiting voters' residences and not elsewhere. District Magistrates (DMs) have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance on this matter, with the ECI indicating that negligence will result in stringent disciplinary measures.

The commission has emphasized that BLOs should follow the "Bihar model" - personally delivering SIR enumeration forms to voters' homes, carefully explaining the necessary details, and addressing any questions voters might have.

In another tragic development, a West Bengal man reportedly died by suicide allegedly due to fears surrounding the voter list revision.

The ECI has mandated the establishment of district-level control rooms to monitor BLO activities, with one supervisor assigned for every ten booths. These reminders were issued to prevent potential disciplinary action against BLOs who fail to comply with the proper procedures.