The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal has been inundated with a significant surge in applications for voter enrolment, even as the state's electoral roll is set to shrink substantially due to a large-scale cleanup drive. Since the resumption of the process on December 16, officials have received over 1.7 lakh new applications, primarily submitted online using Form 6.
Major Overhaul of the Voter List
This fresh wave of applications comes against the backdrop of a massive revision exercise. Prior to the start of the Special Summary Revision (SSR), West Bengal had approximately 7.6 crore registered voters. However, that number is now expected to drop significantly. An official confirmed that over 55 lakh voter names have been identified for deletion from the rolls.
The deletions are based on standard grounds, including voters being absent during verification, deceased, having shifted residence, or possessing duplicate voter identity cards. The inclusion process was temporarily halted until December 16 to facilitate the intensive enumeration work for the SSR.
ECI's New Mandates and Common Errors
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced several key changes to the enrolment process, extending from application forms to hearing procedures. For the first time, Annexure-IV, a declaration form, has been made mandatory for new applicants. This document is similar to the SSR's Annexure-III and must be submitted along with the standard Form 6.
Furthermore, the ECI has tightened proof requirements. New applicants must now provide one or more documents from a list of 12 notified proofs to validate their date of birth, address, and citizenship. Officials clarified that while Aadhaar can be used, it will be accepted only as proof of identity, not as proof of address or date of birth.
Authorities are also tackling a recurring issue. They are urging citizens who move to a new constituency to apply for a shifting of their vote instead of applying for a completely new Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) via Form 6. It has come to light that even a number of government officers with transferable jobs are applying for a second EPIC when posted away from their home constituency, an act which is considered an offence.
Streamlining the Process and Public Appeal
The CEO's office is actively encouraging all eligible citizens aged 18 and above to enrol. They recommend using the ECI's Voter Helpline App or the National Voters' Service Portal for a seamless online experience. This is particularly helpful for those who faced mapping problems in the past and are now applying through Form 6.
Simultaneously, a crucial appeal is being made to existing voters. Families are requested to help keep the electoral roll accurate by applying for the deletion of names of deceased members using Form 7. This step is vital for maintaining the integrity and correctness of the voter database as West Bengal prepares for future electoral exercises.
