Kolkata’s Sonagachi, Asia’s largest red-light district, is set to host a special Electoral Registration camp aimed at addressing the unique documentation challenges faced by sex workers, as authorities work to prevent their exclusion from the voter list during the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The initiative comes in response to growing concerns raised by organisations working with sex workers and their children, who have warned that hundreds of residents may be unable to meet the documentation requirements mandated under the SIR process. A senior official from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office told PTI that the commission has acknowledged these concerns and is preparing measures to ensure inclusivity.

Documentation Challenges and Risks of Exclusion

The SIR process requires citizens to trace back records to 2002, a prerequisite that poses significant hurdles for Sonagachi’s sex workers. Many residents never lived with their parents, were abandoned, or have no family links, making it difficult or impossible to produce documents from the 2002 voter list. Social stigma further complicates matters, as many sex workers have deliberately concealed their profession from their families and cannot approach relatives for verification or supporting documents.

Three organisations – Society for Human Development and Social Action, Usha Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd, and Amra Padatik – wrote to CEO Manoj Agarwal last week, highlighting that hundreds of sex workers in Sonagachi risk exclusion from the voter list. The letter emphasised that the lack of documentation is not indicative of a lack of citizenship but rather a consequence of social and familial circumstances.

A senior official in the CEO’s office acknowledged these challenges, stating, “We have received reports that the sex workers of these areas are filling up the forms. In case they need any hand-holding we would extend our support. We came to know that many of them couldn’t find any linkage to the 2002 voter lists.”

Special Hearing Camp to Address the Issue

In response, the Election Commission plans to organise a special hearing camp in Sonagachi during the SIR verification window, ensuring that residents can have their cases reviewed on the spot. The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will personally attend the camp to listen to grievances and assist with documentation challenges. This measure is intended to prevent the exclusion of genuine applicants who are unable to produce family-related records.

The draft electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on December 9, with claims and objections allowed until January 8. Hearings and verifications will be conducted between December 9 and January 31, before the final rolls are released on February 7, 2026. The special camp is expected to operate within this period, facilitating immediate resolution of any difficulties faced by Sonagachi residents.

Advocacy and Government Support

Advocacy groups have also highlighted that many sex workers in Sonagachi already receive state welfare benefits, including programmes like Lakshmir Bhandar and widow pensions. They argue that their citizenship should not be questioned when they are recognised beneficiaries of government schemes. These groups have repeatedly met with the CEO’s office to stress that the SIR process must be sensitive to the realities of women who cannot access family histories or 2002 electoral records.

The official in the CEO’s office confirmed that these concerns are being taken seriously and that support mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that sex workers’ applications are properly verified and accepted.

Impact on the Community

The fears surrounding exclusion have caused widespread anxiety among Sonagachi residents, where nearly 10,000 sex workers live and work. The upcoming special camp is expected to offer clarity and relief to the community, ensuring that citizens are not disenfranchised due to circumstances beyond their control.

Rights groups emphasised the significance of this measure, noting that the atmosphere in Sonagachi has become “deeply distressing” as the draft roll publication approaches. They expressed hope that the dedicated camp will provide the necessary guidance and reassurance to protect the electoral rights of sex workers.

Conclusion

The Election Commission’s plan to organise a special electoral camp in Sonagachi reflects a targeted effort to address systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities during the SIR process. By facilitating on-the-spot verification and providing direct assistance from the ERO, authorities aim to ensure that sex workers are fully included in the voter list, safeguarding their democratic rights despite documentation gaps. This initiative is a significant step towards inclusivity, acknowledging the unique social and familial realities of a vulnerable segment of Kolkata’s population while upholding the principles of fair representation.