Activists call on ECI to simplify rules and establish assistance camps for Bengal SIR row

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Representatives from marginalized communities have urged state election officials to simplify the rules governing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They expressed concern that many individuals from scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other disadvantaged groups may lose their electoral rights due to a lack of identification documents. Mrityunjoy Mallick, the national president of the Scheduled Caste Federation, highlighted that approximately 30 to 40 lakh individuals may be unable to provide the necessary documentation to prove their eligibility as voters.

The appeal was made on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, a day commemorating the death of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as they sought to protect the electoral rights of marginalized individuals. The organization requested that those who can trace familial connections to names listed in the 2002 electoral roll be allowed to retain their voting rights. This is particularly critical for groups such as forest-dwelling Adivasis, sanitation workers, and others who often lack essential documentation.

Mallick pointed out that many individuals in these communities are born at home and do not possess birth certificates, making it difficult for them to meet the current identification requirements. The Federation has also called for the Election Commission to conduct camps to assist marginalized individuals in obtaining necessary documents. Additionally, they emphasized the need for consideration of married women whose surnames may differ from those in the 2002 list and for those displaced due to various socio-economic factors.

As of December 6, a significant majority of enumeration forms from the total electors have been successfully collected and digitized, yet over 55 lakh forms remain uncollectable due to various reasons. The Federation insists that those who have participated in elections between 2002 and 2025 should have their voting rights safeguarded.