Mon Nov 24 22:53:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, is facing challenges surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral roll. Issues include: ensuring adequate internet connectivity for digitizing enumeration forms amid concerns raised by booth-level officers (BLOs) about workload and technological hurdles; Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioning the need to outsource data entry work; protests by BLOs demanding data entry operators; and the deletion of forms not collected by electors, raising concerns about disenfranchisement. The CEO defended the outsourcing decision as being in line with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines and stated any issues will be publicly recorded.

News Article:

West Bengal Electoral Roll Revision Marred by Connectivity Woes, Data Entry Dispute

KOLKATA, November 25, 2025 – The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of West Bengal’s electoral roll is facing significant hurdles as officials grapple with internet connectivity problems, data entry workload, and political friction.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal addressed the media on Monday regarding efforts to secure uninterrupted internet access for booth-level officers (BLOs) tasked with digitizing enumeration forms. The move comes after complaints from BLOs about insufficient internet speeds and an overwhelming workload, particularly for older staff less familiar with technology.

“Connectivity issues are being addressed,” stated Mr. Agarwal, adding that centralized spaces with Wi-Fi access would be available for digitization.

However, the CEO’s office is also facing criticism from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has questioned the need to outsource data entry to 1,000 operators and 50 software developers. In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Banerjee questioned the necessity of outsourcing when district offices already have competent professionals. Her concern mirrors the demands of some BLOs, who protested outside the CEO’s office on Monday, calling for the appointment of data entry operators to alleviate their workload.

Mr. Agarwal defended the decision to outsource, stating it was based on the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s advice and followed due process, similar to a tender floated in Bihar. He also announced that 14,997 new polling booths are near approval, and a corresponding number of additional BLOs have been mobilized.

Another point of contention is the handling of uncollected enumeration forms. The CEO stated that forms not signed and received by electors will be removed from the draft roll, citing instances where electors have moved or are absent. With over 10 lakh forms uncollected as of Monday, concerns have been raised about potential disenfranchisement.

In response, Mr. Agarwal assured that the names of electors removed from the draft roll due to uncollected forms would be categorized and made public, allowing individuals to appeal or update their information after the draft roll is published.

The SIR process has already sparked political controversy, with the BJP alleging “threats” to officials and the Governor visiting Swarupnagar to assess concerns of “reverse migration” due to SIR fears. The situation remains fluid as West Bengal prepares for the upcoming elections.

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