NewKerala.com

Key Points

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised serious concerns about the availability of birth certificates for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. She pointed out that many people may not have these documents due to limited institutional deliveries in the past. The Chief Minister also highlighted the state's financial struggles, including unpaid GST compensation from the central government. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has not yet announced specific dates for conducting the SIR exercise in West Bengal.

Key Points: Mamata Banerjee Questions Birth Certificate Availability for SIR

  • Mamata questions birth certificate availability for electoral roll revision
  • Cites historical lack of institutional delivery infrastructure
  • Highlights Rs 20,000 crore GST compensation shortfall
  • BJP's Dilip Ghosh supports SIR implementation in Bengal
2 min read

From where will people get their birth certificate for SIR?: WB CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee raises concerns about birth certificate access for Special Intensive Revision, citing past institutional delivery limitations and GST funding issues.

"From where will people get their birth certificate for SIR? It was not possible at that time, as institutional delivery was not prevalent... - Mamata Banerjee"

Kolkata, September 16

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday pointed out difficulties with birth certificate availability for Special Intensive Revision (SIR), citing past limitations in institutional deliveries.

This comes amid the Election Commission's plans to start a SIR in West Bengal in the coming days.

"From where will people get their birth certificate for SIR? It was not possible at that time, as institutional delivery was not prevalent...," said the West Bengal CM while unveiling the new Woodburn 2 building 'Ananya' at the SSKM hospital in Kolkata.

Earlier on September 11, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh called out Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls a "good practice" and said that poll body should have conducted this exercise in West Bengal before carrying it out in Bihar.

Speaking to ANI, Ghosh said, "First of all, it should have been done in Bengal but it's good that this practice has been done in Bihar. It will be done in Bengal too. Full preparations are going on for it."

However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet announced any dates for conducting the SIR in the state, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar saying on August 17 that a decision will be taken on it.

"The three Election Commissioners will decide when the exercise of SIR will be carried out in West Bengal or other states," the CEC had said in a press conference in Delhi.

Mamata Banerjee also voiced concerns over the state's financial struggles, particularly regarding Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation and project funding. She highlighted that West Bengal isn't receiving Rs 20,000 crore in GST compensation and faces challenges in securing funds for various initiatives.

"We don't get compensation of Rs 20 thousand crore for GST. We don't even get funds for projects. We are number one in health care services in India...," Mamata Banerjee said while addressing an event.

Several political parties demanded special compensation for the next five years from the Centre after they announced the new GST reforms, applicable from September 22. The major reason behind the compensation was to protect the state's revenues from losses.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This SIR exercise is necessary for clean electoral rolls. Many states have managed it successfully. West Bengal should cooperate rather than create obstacles. Every genuine voter will find a way to prove identity 🇮🇳
A
Ananya R
Both issues are connected - no funds for development projects and now difficulties in voter registration. The center should support states instead of creating additional burdens. GST compensation is our right!
V
Vikram M
In rural areas, people use school certificates, ration cards, or panchayat documents as age proof. The EC should accept these for SIR. Practical solutions needed, not political blame games.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the concern about historical documents, we must move toward proper documentation. This revision could actually help many people get official birth certificates through the process. Long-term benefit for citizens.
R
Rahul R
Mamataji is right to highlight this issue. The timing seems suspicious right before elections. First deny funds, then make voter registration difficult? This affects democracy. Center should release Bengal's dues immediately.

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