Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Bengal Voter Roll Revision: Guidance on Forms, Photos, and Mistakes
In Bengal, election officials are updating the list of people who can vote, called the electoral roll.
They are giving out forms, and many people don't know exactly how to fill them out.
You need to use a color picture with a white background, not a black-and-white one.
You can write in Bengali, English, or Hindi, and it's best to use blue or black ink so it's easy to read.
If you make a mistake, don't worry too much.
Just cross it out, write the correct thing next to it, and sign nearby.
You get two copies of the form; if you mess up one, use the other.
When linking family members on the list, only close blood relatives like parents and grandparents count.
Each form has a special code, so you can't get a new one if you lose it, making it super important to get it right the first time.
Bengal is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, distributing millions of enumeration forms.
Color photographs with a white background are required for voter registration forms; black-and-white photos are not accepted.
Forms can be filled in Bengali, English, or Hindi, with blue or black ink recommended for clarity.
Mistakes on forms should be corrected by crossing out the error, writing the correction, and signing nearby; two copies of the form are issued.
Family linkage for voter lists includes close blood relatives like parents and grandparents.
- Who
- Voters and election officials in Bengal
- What
- Providing guidance and answering questions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including form filling, photo requirements, ink, language, mistake correction, and family linkage.
- When
- During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- Where
- Bengal
- Why
- To ensure voters can correctly fill out the enumeration forms and avoid potential rejection or issues during the voter roll revision process.
Official Guidance
Voter Concerns/Information
Form Submission
Official Guidance
Each form has a unique QR code, making duplicate issuance virtually impossible; filling the form correctly the first time is crucial.
Voter Concerns/Information
Citizens are unsure about the process and potential mistakes, highlighting a need for clear guidance on form completion.
Photographs for Forms
Official Guidance
Colour photographs with a white background are required; black-and-white photographs will be rejected.
Voter Concerns/Information
Questions arise regarding the specific requirements for photographs, emphasizing the need for clarity to avoid rejection.
Ink and Language Usage
Official Guidance
Forms can be filled in Bengali, English, or Hindi. Blue or black ink is recommended for clarity.
Voter Concerns/Information
While multiple languages are accepted, using Bengali or English is preferable for easier cross-checking.
- Event
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- Location
- Bengal
- Forms Distributed
- Over 5.15 crore enumeration forms
- Photograph Requirement
- Color photograph with a white background; black-and-white photos not accepted.
- Form Languages
- Bengali, English, and Hindi (in some areas)
- Recommended Ink
- Blue or black ink
- Mistake Correction
- Correct errors beside them and sign near the correction; two copies of the form are issued.
- Family Linkage
- Blood relations (paternal/maternal grandfather, father, mother) are considered for family linkage.
Sources
SIR puts forgotten photo studios back in light, mandatory hard-copy pictures for enumeration revive
SIR drive: Voter roll drive ‘hits marginalised women’ due to lack of resources and societal bias
Mumbai Confidential: ‘One gives order, other shoots down’ tussle between 2 IPS becomes headache for juniors
Caught Between Citizenship And The Voter List: Bengal’s CAA-SIR Puzzle Turns Pre-Poll Flashpoint
