The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is currently underway across West Bengal, marking a crucial step in updating the state's electoral database. This comprehensive exercise allows voters who are currently residing outside West Bengal to participate in the democratic process by filling SIR forms online, a facility that became operational last week.
Understanding the SIR Process in West Bengal
The SIR procedure involves matching current voters against historical electoral lists, specifically targeting the 2002, 2003, or 2004 voter records depending on when the last SIR was conducted in each state. For West Bengal residents, the reference point is the 2002 electoral roll, as this was the year when the last SIR exercise took place in the state.
Many voters have expressed concerns about not finding their names in the 2002 list. This guide addresses all common queries regarding how to locate your name, what steps to follow if it's missing, and alternative procedures for registration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Name in SIR 2002 List
To verify whether your name appears on the West Bengal electoral roll, you need to search using your exact name spelling or the names of your parents or relatives as they appeared in the last intensive revision. Follow this detailed procedure:
First, visit the official website: https://ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/
Close any pop-up windows that appear on the screen and click on the option labeled "Electoral Roll of SIR 2002."
You will then see a comprehensive list of 21 districts from the 2002 electoral roll, spanning from Coochbehar to Birbhum. Select your respective district from this list.
The next step requires choosing your specific Assembly Constituency from the available options. For instance, Kolkata South contains seven different constituencies.
After selecting your constituency, a list of polling stations will appear. Identify and choose the polling station linked to your previous voter entry, then click on "Final Roll."
Enter the captcha code as displayed to proceed with accessing the records.
A PDF document of the final electoral roll will open. Navigate to the second page where you'll find the section titled "Nirvachak Talika (Electoral Roll 2002)." This contains the complete list of electors with detailed information including serial numbers, house numbers, voter names, photo ID card numbers, and other relevant details.
What to Do If Your Name is Missing from the List
According to Election Commission of India guidelines, the ongoing SIR exercise in West Bengal exclusively considers the online SIR roll from 2002. This means voters whose names don't appear on this list must establish their eligibility by linking their registration to their parents' or grandparents' names that might be present in the records.
In situations where even the parents' or grandparents' names are absent from the 2002 list, voters are required to personally appear before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) during the scheduled hearings in the coming days. They must present one of the twelve documents specified by the election commission to prove their eligibility.
Accepted Documents for Eligibility Proof
The Election Commission has authorized the following documents for establishing voter eligibility during the SIR process:
- Any identity cards or pension payment orders issued to regular employees/pensioners of Central Government, State Government, or Public Sector Undertakings
- Identity cards, certificates, or documents issued by Indian Government, banks, local authorities, or PCU
- Birth certificate issued by competent authority
- Valid passport
- Matriculation or educational certificate issued by recognized Boards/Universities
- Permanent resident certificate issued by State authority
- Forest Rights Certificate
- OBC/ST/SC or any caste certificate
- National Register of Citizens (where available)
- Family register prepared by State/Local authorities
- Land/house allotment certificate issued by government
- For Aadhaar, Commission's directions issued vide letter No. 23/2025-ERS/Vol.II dated 9.09.2025 shall apply
Discrepancy Between Online and Offline Lists
Several electors from areas including Rajarhat and Gopalpur have reported an interesting discrepancy. According to a Times of India report, many voters have found that their names are absent from the online SIR list for 2002 but are present in the hard copy of the electoral roll obtained from the District Magistrate's office.
Although there hasn't been an official announcement addressing this issue, an ECI official clarified to TOI that electors whose names appear in the hard copy but not in the online version can still fill the SIR enumeration forms. They should refer to the details mentioned in the physical copy while completing the registration process.
The SIR process represents a significant opportunity for West Bengal voters to ensure their participation in future elections. With the online facility now available, even those living outside the state can complete their electoral formalities without physical presence, making the democratic process more accessible and inclusive.
