SIR 2026: Strict Guidelines For BLOs, Order for Re-verification of Data

SIR 2026: In a significant move to ensure transparency and accuracy in the electoral infrastructure, the Election Commission has taken decisive steps regarding the voter list revision in West Bengal. On December 1, 2025, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer issued a crucial notification regarding SIR 2026 (Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls). While the deadline for the enumeration process has been extended, the Commission has simultaneously imposed stringent guidelines for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) regarding data verification.

According to the new directive, the deadline for door-to-door data collection or enumeration has been extended to December 11, 2025. However, to maintain the pace and quality of work within this extended period, specific guidelines have been set. The Commission has made it clear that no negligence in data entry and verification will be tolerated.

Strict Rules on Data Upload & Deadlines

The Election Commission has strictly prohibited any ‘backlog’ of work. To facilitate the BLOs’ workflow and manage the portal’s load, the following schedule and rules must be strictly adhered to:

• Backlog Clearance: All collected forms and undistributable forms had to be uploaded to the portal by December 2, 2025.
• Daily Work Accounting: From December 2 onwards, no work can be kept pending. Data or forms collected on a specific day must be uploaded to the portal on that very day.
• Uncollectable Forms: If a family does not fill out and submit the form by December 11, those forms must be marked as ‘Uncollectable’ via the app.

Verification of Data Authenticity

The primary focus of this directive is ‘Re-verification’. The Commission has observed that in many instances, data entry is outsourced to agencies or contractual staff. Therefore, BLOs have been instructed to personally verify every entry. Special caution has been advised for elderly voters and those linked with relatives.

Key Areas Requiring Special Attention:

1. Progeny Mapping & Age Gap: Scrutiny is required for individuals currently aged 50 or above who are mapped with parents or elderly relatives (Progeny Mapping) instead of self-mapping. The question arises: if they were over 25 years old in 2002, why was their name not on the voter list then? This needs investigation.
2. Elderly Voters (60+): Information of those who are over 60 years old relative to the 2002 voter list and have done ‘Self Mapping’ must be re-verified.
3. Parent-Child Age Gap: If the age difference between the applicant and their parents is more than 45 years or less than 18 years, it falls under the suspicious category and requires detailed investigation.
4. Absentee Members: If someone else signs on behalf of an absent family member, it must be ensured that the absent individual is not a voter elsewhere in the country. If necessary, the BLO must verify this by visiting the house or via phone call.

Key Instructions at a Glance

The Commission has warned that non-compliance with these guidelines or any discrepancies found in the work will lead to officials being summoned via video conference for an explanation, and disciplinary action may be taken if necessary.