Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Kolkata Slum Residents Fear SIR Fallout After Fire-Destroyed Identity Documents
Many people living in slums in Kolkata are worried that they might not be able to vote in the upcoming elections.
This is because important documents like their voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards were burned in recent fires.
They are afraid that without these documents, they might be removed from the voter list.
Some people are having trouble getting new documents because they work in other states or the application process is taking a long time.
Even though some officials have said they will help, the people are still worried that they might not be able to vote.
Residents of fire-hit slums in Kolkata fear exclusion from electoral rolls due to lost identity documents
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ongoing, causing anxiety among those who lost documents in fires
Residents worry about being marked as 'non-existent' on rolls, potentially losing their right to vote
Many have difficulty reapplying for lost documents due to pending processes or working outside the state
Local officials assure assistance, but residents remain anxious about the SIR process
- Who
- Residents of fire-hit slums in Kolkata
- What
- Fear exclusion from electoral rolls due to lost identity documents in fires
- When
- During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- Where
- In fire-hit slums across Kolkata, including Topsia’s Majdoorpara, Pagladanga, and under New Alipore’s Durgapur bridge
- Why
- To ensure their right to vote and prevent being marked as 'non-existent' on the rolls
Residents' Concerns
Local Officials' Assurance
Document Loss
Residents' Concerns
Residents lost crucial identity documents in fires
Local Officials' Assurance
Local officials acknowledge document loss and assure assistance
Fear of Exclusion
Residents' Concerns
Residents fear being marked as 'non-existent' on rolls
Local Officials' Assurance
Officials assure no hardship in SIR process
Reapplication Difficulties
Residents' Concerns
Some residents face challenges in reapplying for lost documents
Local Officials' Assurance
Officials have not explicitly addressed reapplication difficulties
- Number of Fire-Hit Slums
- Several across Kolkata
- Identity Documents Lost
- Aadhaar, voter cards, PAN cards
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Status
- Ongoing
- Residents' Fear
- Exclusion from electoral rolls, loss of voting rights
- Local Officials' Assurance
- Assistance in SIR process, no hardship
Sources
47-year-old found hanging near Kolkata home; family blames stress over SIR documents
Kolkata’s fire-ravaged slum residents fear SIR fallout as identity documents reduced to ashes
Kolkata's Fire-Ravaged Slum Residents Fear SIR Fallout as Identity Documents Reduced to Ashes
