Around 30 lakh electors in West Bengal have been flagged as “unmapped” to the 2002 voters’ list during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. These individuals are likely to be called for hearings to verify their eligibility. The process, aided by AI tools, aims to ensure accuracy and transparency in the electoral roll.
West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has revealed that nearly 30 lakh voters cannot be linked to the 2002 voters’ list, raising questions about their eligibility. According to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, these electors will likely be summoned for hearings once the draft electoral roll is published.
Officials explained that AI-based tools are being used to detect duplicates, inconsistencies in photographs, and mismatches in progeny mapping. The hearings, scheduled between December 16, 2025, and February 7, 2026, will require voters to produce one of the 13 approved documents to establish their identity and linkage.
The SIR exercise, covering 7.6 crore electors, has also identified over 54 lakh voters as untraceable, deceased, or duplicates, who may be excluded from the final roll.
Major Takeaways
Unmapped Electors: 28–30 lakh voters flagged for hearings due to lack of 2002 roll linkage.
AI Integration: Artificial intelligence deployed to detect duplicates and data discrepancies.
Hearing Timeline: December 16, 2025 – February 7, 2026.
Document Requirement: Voters must present one of 13 EC-approved documents.
Exclusions: Over 54 lakh names identified as dead, missing, or duplicate.
Conclusion
The SIR exercise in West Bengal highlights the Election Commission’s push for accuracy and transparency in voter rolls. While hearings may pose challenges for lakhs of electors, the process is expected to strengthen the credibility of the state’s electoral system ahead of future polls.
Sources: The Hindu, Times of India, Ommcom News, The Week.