Election Commission Issues Clarification on Permanent Resident Certificate Validity
The Election Commission of India has provided crucial clarification regarding the use of Permanent Resident Certificates during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. In an official communication sent to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer on Friday, February 6, 2026, the Commission confirmed that these certificates remain valid documents for determining voter eligibility.
Official Guidelines and Historical Context
The Commission specifically referenced its earlier correspondence dated January 1 and January 12, 2026, while pointing to the SIR guidelines originally issued on October 27, 2025. These guidelines explicitly list the Permanent Resident Certificate as an admissible document for voter registration purposes.
The historical basis for these certificates traces back to a state government letter dated November 2, 1999, with subsequent orders issued under that framework. The Commission emphasized that Domicile or Permanent Resident Certificates in West Bengal continue to be issued according to this established protocol.
Strict Compliance Requirements for Electoral Officers
The Election Commission has issued specific instructions regarding which certificates will be accepted during the voter registration process. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) – who serve as competent statutory authorities under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 – must only accept Permanent Resident Certificates issued by designated authorities.
These authorized issuing authorities include:
- District Magistrate
- Additional District Magistrate
- Sub-Divisional Officer
- Collector of Kolkata
The Commission has mandated that certificates must be issued strictly in conformity with the guidelines notified by the West Bengal state government to be considered valid for electoral purposes.
Implementation and Compliance Directives
The Election Commission has directed that these important instructions be brought to the immediate attention of all concerned officers to ensure strict compliance throughout the Special Intensive Revision process. This clarification comes during a period of heightened electoral activity in West Bengal, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee having recently addressed press conferences regarding the ongoing SIR process in New Delhi.
The Commission's timely intervention provides much-needed clarity for both electoral officials and citizens seeking to register or verify their voter status during this critical electoral roll revision period. This development ensures that legitimate Permanent Resident Certificate holders can confidently use their documents to establish their voting eligibility without unnecessary complications or bureaucratic hurdles.
