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Bengal's Voter Form Crisis: Why 15% Still Wait as ECI Deadline Ends

The Election Commission's initial deadline for distributing voter enumeration forms in West Bengal has ended with significant gaps in coverage. Approximately 15% of the state's 7.66 crore voters haven't received their forms yet, creating anxiety among citizens. Kolkata is particularly struggling with only 66% distribution completed, while some districts have achieved 97% coverage. Booth-level officers had warned from the beginning that the timeframe was insufficient for proper form distribution across the state.

Key Points: West Bengal SIR Deadline Ends With 15% Voters Missing Forms

  • Over 1.1 crore voters still missing forms as initial deadline expires
  • Kolkata shows worst performance with only 66% distribution rate
  • East Burdwan and East Midnapore lead with 97% form distribution
  • BLO association warned about insufficient time frame from beginning
2 min read

SIR in Bengal: 15 pc voters yet to receive enumeration forms as ECI's initial deadline ends

Over 1.1 crore West Bengal voters await enumeration forms as ECI's initial deadline passes. Kolkata shows lowest distribution rate at 66% completion amid extension uncertainty.

"Although officially, the process started from November 4, in the first two days, the progress had been quite slow because of non-availability of adequate forms. - BLO Oikya Mancha office bearer"

Kolkata, Nov 12

The initial deadline set by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for completing the enumeration form distribution under the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) in West Bengal has ended, with around 15 per cent of the voters in the state yet to receive the forms.

According to figures available from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, a little over 6.56 crore voters in the state have received enumeration forms till 8 p.m. on Tuesday, roughly around 85.71 per cent of the total registered voters in the state.

The total number of electors in West Bengal as per the electoral roll as on October 27, is 7,66,37,529.

Amid this development, voters who have not received the enumeration forms are anxiously waiting for any announcement from the CEO's office on the extension of the deadline.

The CEO's office, on the other hand, is in touch with its high command, ECI's headquarters in New Delhi, for specific instruction in the matter, confirmed sources in the poll body's office.

Among the different districts, the progress of enumeration form distribution is lowest in Kolkata at around 66 per cent.

On the other hand, the percentage of voters receiving enumeration forms is the highest in the East Burdwan and East Midnapore districts, 97 per cent.

Meanwhile, an association of booth-level officers (BLOs) in West Bengal, BLO Oikya Mancha (BLO Unity Forum), had claimed that from the beginning, they had been insisting on a larger time frame for the distribution of enumeration forms, which the commission had ignored.

"Although officially, the process of enumeration forms started from November 4, in the first two days, the progress of distribution had been quite slow because of the non-availability of adequate numbers of the enumeration forms. The pace only picked up from the third day, that is, November 6," said a forum office bearer.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why such poor planning? If East Burdwan and East Midnapore achieved 97%, why can't Kolkata? This shows clear administrative failure in urban areas. Every vote matters and such delays affect voter confidence.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in election processes, I must say the BLOs' concerns were valid. Starting distribution without adequate forms was bound to create problems. Hope ECI learns from this and improves planning for future revisions.
A
Arjun K
My family in Kolkata is worried about missing the voter list updates. With 15% voters still waiting, ECI must extend the deadline. Democracy requires inclusive participation! 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
While I appreciate that 85% coverage is decent, the remaining 15% represents over 1 crore voters! That's a huge number of people potentially being excluded. The commission needs to act swiftly.
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Nisha Z
Good to see some districts performing well, but Kolkata's poor show is disappointing. Maybe they should learn from East Burdwan's approach. Hope the extension comes soon for all those waiting! 🤞

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