SIR in Bengal: 2940 EROs Mobilized for Voter Roll Hearings
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal of electoral rolls enters a crucial phase with the draft roll publication on December 16, 2025. A massive logistical effort is underway as the state deploys 2,940 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) across its 294 Assembly constituencies to conduct claims and objections hearings, with the final voter list for the state’s 7.66 crore voters scheduled for release on February 14, 2026.
Kolkata Dec 13: West Bengal’s election machinery is transitioning into the critical second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its electoral rolls, a three-stage exercise that will determine the final list of eligible voters for the state. This transition is marked by the scheduled publication of the draft voters’ list on December 16.
The release of the draft roll marks the conclusion of the first phase, which began on November 4. What follows is the demanding period of claims and objections, where citizens are empowered to seek inclusion, exclusion, or correction of entries.
The stakes are high, with the updated rolls set to include a total of 7,66,37,529 registered voters. The accuracy of this list is fundamental to the integrity of future elections in the state.
To manage this crucial phase, the ECI is deploying an army of 2,940 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) across West Bengal’s 294 Assembly constituencies, with each constituency benefiting from the focused attention of ten dedicated EROs. This massive manpower deployment underscores the importance of public participation during this phase.
The second phase involves a detailed, multi-step process including the submission of forms, issuance of notices, mandatory hearings, and rigorous verification. Citizens are urged to review the draft list post-December 16 and file any necessary claims or objections, as the EROs’ decisions during this period will be final for the roll’s preparation.
The entire revision exercise is set to conclude with the official publication of the final electoral rolls on February 14, 2026.
“It would be incorrect to assume that all voters eligible for inclusion in the draft list will automatically be exempt from appearing at hearings. Even voters who qualify for enlistment but have discrepancies in progeny mapping data will be called for hearings and required to clarify those inconsistencies,” a source from the CEO’s office said.
