West Bengal SIR: What voters need to know before BLOs visit their homes
KOLKATA: As part of the implementation of the much-anticipated and politically charged Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will start visiting voters’ homes from Tuesday.
Here are answers to some common questions about participating in the exercise:
1. How to identify Booth Level Officers (BLOs)? Will they be accompanied by representatives of political parties?
All BLOs will carry identity cards with QR codes, which can be scanned to verify the officer’s details on the Election Commission website. The enumeration forms will also display the name and phone number of the BLO assigned to your booth.
Given the political sensitivity of the exercise, Booth Level Agents (BLAs) assigned by political parties may accompany the BLOs.
2. How would I know when a BLO will visit my address? What if I am not at home?
BLOs will have information about all voters in their respective booths. You will receive some form of advance notice before the officer visits.
If you are not home during the first visit, the BLO will make repeatA BLO will give you two sets of enumeration forms for every voter in your family. You must complete both sets and sign them; the BLO will countersign both.. Can I fill the forms online?
Yes. If you or family members are not home to meet a BLO, forms can be downloaded, filled, and uploaded as instructed on the commission’s website. Online forms are not yet available due to technical issues, but officials are working to resolve them.
8. Will the SIR exercise affect my citizenship status?
The SIR exercise is only to determine your eligibility as a voter. The Election Commission of India has no authority to decide your citizenship
The officer will keep one form for the Election Commission of India (ECI) and return the other to you with a stamped acknowledgement for future reference.5. Can I fill forms for family members currently away from home?
Yes, any family member can fill out forms for those absent, provided the required documents are available. The person filling the form must sign accordingly and may be asked to respond to queries later about the voter.
You should have your current EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card or Voter Card), Aadhaar card, two current passport-size photos, and the 2002 electoral roll reference (if your or your parents’ or grandparents’ names appear on it). The 2002 roll can be accessed at