Archive · 19 Jan 2026
SIR Sparks Fears Among Kolkata Sex Workers
In Kolkata, sex workers in the Sonagachi area are worried about a process called SIR, which checks who can vote.
Many sex workers don't have papers showing they are part of a family because their families don't support them.
This makes it hard for them to prove they belong.
They hope that the government and welfare workers will help them keep their right to live and vote in the city.
Some sex workers shared their fears in a video about how this process affects them and their children.
Sex workers in Sonagachi, Kolkata, face fears and uncertainties due to the electoral roll revision (SIR).
Many sex workers struggle to produce documents linking them to their families, as they are often disowned.
The lack of family support and understanding exacerbates their fears of harassment and loss of citizenship.
Sex workers are hoping that promises made by bureaucrats and support from welfare workers will help secure their and their children's future.
A video report features three sex workers discussing their vulnerabilities and fears regarding the electoral process.
- Who
- Sex workers in Sonagachi, Kolkata
- What
- Fears and uncertainties about citizenship due to electoral roll revision (SIR)
- When
- During the SIR process
- Where
- Sonagachi, Asia's largest red-light district in Kolkata
- Why
- Difficulty in producing documents linking them to family or partner, and lack of family support
- Location
- Sonagachi, Kolkata
- Issue
- Electoral roll revision (SIR)
- Affected Group
- Sex workers
- Documentation Challenge
- Lack of family ties
- Support
- Welfare workers