Voter List Revision: Following Bihar, West Bengal is now set to undertake the revision of its voter list. According to sources from the Election Commission, a plan has been adopted to start a ‘Special Intensive Revision’ in the state, and preparations are already underway. While there are indications that this survey might begin in August, the entire matter is contingent on a case in the Supreme Court.
Key Plan and Timeline
According to an Election Commission source, a hearing for a case related to the voter list revision in Bihar is scheduled in the Supreme Court. The final decision for West Bengal will be based on the outcome of that hearing. If the apex court does not issue a stay order, the work of revising the voter list could commence in the state from the first week of August. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer in the state is also in favor of starting this process soon, as the Puja festival begins in the last week of September. Therefore, it is important to complete the survey work before then. Otherwise, the process will have to be initiated after the Pujas, in November or December. Officials have stated that all preparations are complete and they are only waiting for the notification to be issued.
Why is this Revision Important?
The news of nearly 5.2 million names being dropped from the voter list in Bihar has created a stir in national politics. In this context, there has been a rush of applications for name inclusion or correction in West Bengal’s voter list. In the last week alone, about 75,000 applications have been submitted, with the rate being particularly high in the state’s border areas.
The main objectives of this revision are:
- Creating an accurate and error-free voter list: Removing the names of deceased or relocated voters.
- Inclusion of new voters: Adding the names of newly eligible voters to the list.
- Data correction: Rectifying any errors in voters’ names, addresses, or other information.
What You Should Do
During this ‘Special Intensive Revision,’ citizens have certain responsibilities. To ensure your name is correctly registered in the voter list, you can take the following steps:
- Verify your details: Visit the Election Commission’s website (National Voters’ Services Portal – NVSP) to check your name and other information.
- Apply for corrections: If there are any errors in your details, fill out the appropriate form and submit it online or to your local Booth Level Officer (BLO).
- Apply for new registration: If you are 18 years or older and your name is not on the voter list, apply for inclusion by filling out Form 6.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on notifications and announcements from the Election Commission. Contact your local BLO if necessary.
This initiative is crucial for a transparent and democratic election process. Therefore, participating in this process as a conscious citizen is a duty for all of us.
