In a significant step aimed at citizen convenience, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has issued fresh directives, exempting several categories of voters from mandatory personal appearance at Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearings. The move, detailed in official memorandums issued on Thursday, January 8, 2026, is designed to make the electoral verification process "hassle-free" for those away from the state or facing physical constraints.
Who is Exempt from In-Person SIR Hearings?
The exemption, formalized through Memo Nos. 246(24) and 252(24)-Home, covers a broad spectrum of voters. These groups will no longer need to attend hearings personally, even if their records are flagged for issues like being "unmapped" or having "logical discrepancies."
The exempted categories include:
- Students and private sector employees temporarily living outside West Bengal.
- Government and PSU personnel, including state/central employees, military, and paramilitary staff posted out of state.
- Individuals hospitalized or away for medical treatment.
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas residents abroad for study, work, or other valid reasons.
- Senior citizens aged 85 and above, the sick, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
An official stated that the commission adopted this facilitative approach to ensure eligible voters temporarily overseas are not inconvenienced.
Alternative Verification Methods for Exempt Voters
For those exempted, the election authorities have outlined clear alternative procedures. Exempt voters can authorize any family member to represent them at the hearing. The representative must carry required documents, including proof of relationship and one of the 13 Election Commission of India (ECI)-notified identity proofs like Aadhaar, Passport, or PAN card, as per the October 27, 2025 directive.
In a notable welfare measure, doorstep verification will be conducted for senior citizens (85+), the sick, and PWDs. Election officials will visit their residences to complete the process. If a hearing notice has already been sent to such a voter, officials will contact them by phone to advise against personal attendance.
SIR in High-Intensity Phase with Strict Warnings
The SIR exercise is currently in a high-intensity phase, primarily due to a large volume of "logical discrepancies" detected in the electoral rolls. These discrepancies include anomalies like recorded age gaps between parents and children being less than 15 years.
As of January 8, 2026, the CEO's office reported substantial numbers: 31,68,426 electors were identified with no mapping, 25,60,476 notices had been delivered, and 68,577 hearings were conducted on Thursday alone.
Simultaneously, the Election Commission has issued a stern warning of strict action against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who fail to comply with these new exemption rules, underscoring the importance of their proper implementation for a smooth and inclusive revision process.
