Kolkata, 07 January (H.S.) : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has provided significant relief to migrant workers and students from West Bengal who are currently residing or studying outside the state in connection with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The Commission has clarified that physical presence at hearing centres will not be mandatory for voters whose names have been identified under the “logical discrepancy” category.

According to sources associated with the Election Commission, migrant workers earning their livelihoods in other states and students pursuing studies outside West Bengal will be allowed to be represented by their family members during the hearing process. Family members can visit the designated hearing centres on their behalf and submit the required documents to address the Commission’s concerns regarding their voter status.

Sources said the decision was taken keeping in mind the large number of migrant workers and students from West Bengal living outside the state. The relaxation aims to ensure that genuine voters are not subjected to unnecessary hardship during the revision process.

Meanwhile, Booth-Level Officers will also explain to voters or their family members, while serving notices at their residences, the reasons why their names were identified as cases of “logical discrepancy” during the progeny mapping process.

The Election Commission has also sought a declaration from West Bengal government employees, requiring them to certify that they are not registered as voters in two different places. The move is intended to eliminate the possibility of duplicate voter registrations.

According to ECI sources, the hearing process for voters classified under the “unmapped” category is almost complete, with their number in the state exceeding 30 lakh. In contrast, around 92 lakh voters have been identified under the “logical discrepancy” category.

Hearings for the “logical discrepancy” cases will commence on January 13. The final electoral roll for West Bengal is scheduled to be published on February 14, leaving the Election Commission with less than a month to complete hearings for all such cases.

Following the publication of the draft electoral roll, a full bench of the Election Commission is expected to visit Kolkata to review the overall situation. The polling dates for the crucial Assembly elections to be held later this year will be announced thereafter.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh