The Election Commission of West Bengal has initiated a significant offline drive to register new voters and correct errors in the existing electoral rolls. This process, a crucial part of the ongoing Summary Revision (SIR) for 2026, will see Booth Level Officers (BLOs) stationed at polling booths across the state to assist citizens directly.
BLO Availability and Schedule for Voter Services
To facilitate the public, all 80,681 BLOs in Bengal will be present at their designated polling stations during specific hours. The schedule mandates that BLOs will be available for two hours on any three weekdays and for a minimum of four hours on holidays. This arrangement is effective immediately and will continue until January 15, 2026, which is the final date for receiving claims and objections in the SIR exercise.
Dibyendu Das, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, issued instructions to all District Election Officers (DEOs) to implement this plan. The directive aims to make it convenient for electors to submit key forms for inclusion, objection, or correction in the voter list. The forms in question are Form 6 (for new registration), Form 7 (for objection/deletion), and Form 8 (for correction or transposition within the roll).
Ensuring a Smooth Hearing Process and Logistical Support
This booth-level activity is synchronized with the hearing phase of the revision process, which is scheduled to continue until February 7. During hearings, BLOs are also engaged alongside Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and micro-observers. The EC's instructions allow for flexibility in booth timings, which can be adjusted in consultation with Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and AEROs to prevent disruption to the hearings. These adjusted timings must be widely publicized for the benefit of applicants and officials.
To provide a dedicated space for this work, the District Election Officers have written to the heads of various institutions—including schools and colleges that house polling stations—requesting the use of one room. The request is for the period from December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026, including weekends. The letter seeks cooperation in sparing a room furnished with chairs, tables, and benches for the BLOs to operate.
Addressing Concerns Over Institutional Disruption
When questioned about potential disruptions to academic schedules and examinations in these educational institutions, a senior EC official provided reassurance. The official clarified that the requirement is for only one room and that BLOs can conduct their work after regular school and college hours. This measure is intended to ensure the voter registration drive proceeds smoothly without interfering with the learning process.
This offline initiative mirrors the standard procedure followed during the annual summary roll revision, where BLOs traditionally distribute and collect Forms 6, 7, and 8. By deploying this established system for the SIR 2026, the Election Commission aims to maximize accessibility and ensure every eligible citizen has the opportunity to be accurately enrolled in the democratic process.
