Published: Nov 4, 2025
The month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal officially commenced on Tuesday, marking the start of house-to-house enumeration across the state. This routine yet politically sensitive administrative exercise, conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI), will continue until December 4, with draft electoral rolls scheduled for publication on December 9. The SIR exercise has gained heightened attention this year, with political parties closely monitoring the process, both as a mechanism for ensuring accurate voter records and as a strategic prelude to the 2026 Assembly elections.
As Booth Level Officers (BLOs) begin visiting homes, citizens are encouraged to understand the process, verify the credentials of visiting officials, and ensure accurate completion of enumeration forms. Here is a comprehensive guide to navigating the SIR process.
Identifying Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Party Representatives
Every BLO assigned to a specific booth will carry an official identity card featuring a QR code. Voters can scan this code to verify the officer’s credentials through the Election Commission’s official website. In addition, the enumeration forms given to households will include the BLO’s name and phone number, allowing residents to cross-check the identity of the visiting officer.
Given the politically charged environment surrounding this year’s SIR, Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties may accompany BLOs to monitor the process. Their presence is intended to ensure transparency but may also reflect the intensity of political oversight during the exercise.
Scheduling BLO Visits and Handling Absences
BLOs will be responsible for visiting all households under their assigned booth areas. While there may not always be an exact appointment time, residents can expect some form of advance notice prior to the officer’s visit.
If a household member is not present when the BLO first arrives, there will be repeat visits, typically at least three times, to ensure no voter is excluded from the SIR process. Citizens are therefore encouraged to be available or arrange for another family member to assist in the enumeration process if the primary voter is absent.
What BLOs Will Ask and Required Documents
During the visit, BLOs will provide households with two sets of enumeration forms for each eligible voter in the family. Residents are required to complete the forms in duplicate and sign them. The BLO will countersign both copies, retaining one for submission to the Election Commission and returning the second to the household with a stamped acknowledgment, which may serve as proof for future reference.
To facilitate the process, citizens should have the following documents ready:
- Current EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card or Voter Card)
- Aadhaar Card
- Two current passport-size photographs
- The 2002 electoral roll reference, if the voter or their parents/grandparents are listed in it (available at CEO West Bengal)
There is no need to attach copies of these documents to the forms; verification will be conducted by the BLO. If a voter’s name does not appear on the 2002 roll, the Election Commission will issue a notice to produce additional citizenship credentials as per a list of 11 indicative documents. This step ensures that eligible citizens can have their names included in the final voter list, which will be released next year after the SIR exercise is completed.
Filling Out Enumeration Forms
The enumeration form is a single-page document divided into two parts.
- The upper section captures the voter’s current details based on their EPIC.
- The lower section contains two boxes:
- The left box is for voters whose names are included in the 2002 electoral roll.
- The right box is for voters whose names do not appear in 2002 but whose parents’ or grandparents’ names are listed.
Voters should ensure the exact spelling, relationship details, and other information from the 2002 roll is retained in the lower section, even if earlier errors have been corrected since then. Forms should not be filled out from multiple locations, as doing so may render them invalid.
Enumerating Absentee Family Members
Household members can complete forms on behalf of family members who are away for work or other obligations, provided they have the required documents to supply accurate information. The individual filling out forms for another member must sign accordingly and may later be asked to respond to any queries about the absentee voter.
Submitting Completed Forms
Once completed, the enumeration forms should be handed over to the BLO visiting the household. The entire house-to-house enumeration process will continue until December 4, after which the draft rolls will be published on December 9. Citizens can file claims and objections regarding voter names from December 9 to January 8. Verification, hearings, and issuance of notices will take place between December 9 and January 31, leading to the final voter list being published on February 7, 2026, just two months before the scheduled Assembly elections in West Bengal.
Impact on Citizenship Status
It is important to note that the SIR exercise is conducted solely to verify eligibility as a voter. The Election Commission has no authority to determine citizenship, and participation in the enumeration process does not affect an individual’s legal citizenship status. The primary goal is to ensure that eligible voters are accurately included in the electoral rolls and that all records are updated.
Conclusion
The SIR exercise in West Bengal is not merely a routine administrative exercise; it is also a politically significant event that will test the integrity of the voter rolls and the organizational capacities of various political parties. With BLOs visiting households and political agents monitoring the process, it is crucial for voters to be prepared, ensure their documents are in order, and complete the enumeration forms accurately.
By participating fully and providing accurate information, citizens can safeguard their electoral rights and contribute to a transparent and reliable voter registration process. As the political and administrative mechanisms converge in this month-long exercise, every individual household has a vital role to play in shaping the final voter list, ensuring that every eligible citizen’s voice can be heard in the upcoming elections.
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