Domicile Certificate Confusion Grips Kolkata Voters Despite EC Guidelines
The issue of domicile certificates continues to create significant confusion among voters in Kolkata, even after the Election Commission of India provided clear directives. The EC has explicitly stated that domicile certificates should only be required for non-Bengali residents applying for defense and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) jobs. However, on the ground, a different reality persists, causing distress and bureaucratic hurdles for many citizens.
Nuns Face Bureaucratic Hurdles in Citizenship Proof
In a poignant example, two sisters from the Missionaries of Charity queued at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation headquarters on Monday. Their mission was to submit documents to obtain domicile certificates for two senior nuns. This followed a troubling sequence of events where three senior nuns had attended a hearing at an office in the BBD Bag area over a month prior. Despite submitting all necessary documents at that time, they were unexpectedly asked to produce domicile certificates as proof of citizenship.
Tragically, the eldest of the three nuns, an octogenarian, passed away before the others could complete the process to obtain her domicile certificate. A nun from the Missionaries of Charity, standing in the queue, expressed profound grief and frustration. "We deeply mourn the loss of one of our institution's most tireless workers. The immense stress and agony of having to prove her citizenship in this manner may have contributed to her declining health. Now, we have no choice but to secure domicile certificates for the remaining two senior nuns to resolve this matter," she stated emotionally.
Citizens Share Their Struggles with Documentation
The confusion extends beyond religious institutions to everyday citizens. Mangala Nath, a homemaker from Ultadanga, was seen meticulously rearranging four sets of documents at the KMC counter. She explained her predicament: "I was called for an SIR hearing, but the Election Commission officials were not satisfied with the documents I presented. They specifically requested a domicile certificate. I am now hoping that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation will assist me in obtaining this certificate to finalize my voter registration."
Similarly, Sudhir Pandey from Karaya stood in the queue with a stack of relevant papers, expressing uncertainty about the process. "I will submit all required documents here to obtain a domicile certificate. However, I have no idea what will happen next or if this will truly resolve the issue with my voter status," he remarked, highlighting the pervasive anxiety among applicants.
High Demand and Procedural Challenges at KMC
A KMC official working at the counter confirmed the ongoing high demand for domicile certificates. "Every single day, citizens line up at this counter to submit documents for domicile certificates. We are processing these applications and forwarding them to the collector's office. Subsequently, the collector's office sends them to the police for verification, which adds another layer to the procedure," the official explained. This multi-step process contributes to delays and further complicates the situation for voters.
BLOs Navigate Documentation Gaps
In some cases, voters possess only basic identification documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards, which are insufficient according to local officials. A 47-year-old woman from Beadon Row found herself in this exact situation when her Booth Level Officer asked her to apply for a domicile certificate. Debasree Ray De Sarkar, a BLO in Shyampukur, clarified her approach: "There are several voters in my area who could not provide any document beyond an Aadhaar card and a PAN card. In such instances, I have advised them to apply for a domicile certificate to meet the necessary requirements for voter verification."
This persistent demand for domicile certificates, despite the EC's clarification, underscores a significant disconnect between policy directives and their implementation on the ground. It leaves many Kolkata residents navigating a complex and often stressful bureaucratic maze to affirm their citizenship and voting rights.
