In a significant move providing relief to lakhs of people, the Election Commission (EC) has announced that relatives can now represent voters who live outside West Bengal during crucial hearing processes. This decision, announced on Wednesday, is set to benefit thousands of migrant workers, non-resident Indians (NRIs), and students who were previously required to appear in person.
Major Relief for Displaced Voters
The directive comes as the commission prepares to begin hearings for a massive 94.5 lakh voters identified with logical discrepancies in the electoral rolls. These hearings are scheduled to commence on Thursday and must be completed by February 8. An EC official stated that from Thursday, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will start delivering hard copies of hearing notices to the concerned households.
This announcement follows a recent relief measure for over 41.5 lakh voters with minor discrepancies, granted just a day earlier. The latest step specifically addresses the logistical nightmare faced by outstation electors summoned for Summary Revision (SIR) hearings. West Bengal has over 23 lakh registered migrant workers, many of whom received summons, alongside numerous NRIs and students whose forms were filled by family members.
Digital Solutions on the Horizon
Responding to demands for modernisation, the Election Commission has also revealed plans to launch a dedicated online portal. This portal will feature secure video links to facilitate online hearings and include an e-verification tab for the digital submission of required documents. While the EC has not provided a specific launch timeline, officials confirmed that implementation details and eligibility criteria will be published soon on the commission's official portal: https://ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/.
The move towards digital hearings aligns with demands raised by the Trinamool Congress and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The party had persistently flagged the issue, arguing that if the country's top courts can conduct proceedings online, the Election Commission should also adopt similar technology. This point was also cited in a plea filed by the party in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Focus on Inclusivity and Integrity
EC officials emphasized that the core objective of these initiatives is to reduce the logistical burden on voters displaced due to work or residence abroad while ensuring wider participation in the democratic process. "Our priority is inclusivity without compromising verification integrity," an official stated. The commission aims to balance voter convenience with the rigorous demands of maintaining accurate and fraud-free electoral rolls.
The hearings will address various discrepancies, including issues related to progeny mapping. With the new rules, family members residing in Bengal can now appear before officials to clarify details on behalf of their relatives, ensuring no voter is disenfranchised due to geographical constraints.
