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Filling the SIR form: what photo, which ink, and how to fix mistakes — answers to your top questions on Bengal’s voter roll revision

Each form carries a unique QR code, making duplicate issuance nearly impossible, so filling it out correctly the first time is crucial

Earlier this week, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had urged Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to halt the SIR in Bengal.(Express photo by Partha Paul)

Bengal voter roll revision: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is in full swing across Bengal, with massive outreach efforts underway. As of Sunday, more than 5.15 crore enumeration forms have been distributed across the state.

With lakhs of citizens preparing to submit their forms, many are unsure about the process, from the kind of photograph required to what happens if a mistake is made. Each form carries a unique QR code, making duplicate issuance nearly impossible, so filling it out correctly the first time is crucial.

What type of photo is required for the form?

Citizens are advised to attach a colour photograph with a white background to ensure clarity and avoid rejection. Officials say that black-and-white photographs are no longer accepted.

Which ink and language should be used to fill the form?

According to the Representation of the People Act, electoral rolls in West Bengal are maintained in three languages — Bengali, English, and, in some areas, Hindi. Voters may fill the form in any of these languages without issue. However, using Bengali or English is preferable, as it will be easier to cross-check names later when the final rolls are published, especially in areas where the roll is not published in Devanagari script (Hindi).

There are no strict guidelines about ink colour, but blue or black ink is recommended for clarity and legibility.

What should you do if you make a mistake while filling the form?

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If an error is made, correct it beside the error, and sign near the correction. Since each form carries a QR code unique to every voter, issuing a replacement form is not possible. Two copies of the form are issued — if one is spoiled, the cleaner copy should be submitted to the BLO, and the other retained by the voter, Chief Electoral Office (CEO) officials said.

Officials from the CEO said that with over seven crore voters in Bengal, issuing duplicate forms would be “practically impossible.”

Who qualifies as a ‘relative’ or ‘associated person’ for linkage purposes in the voter list?

For the purpose of establishing family linkage in the voter list, blood relations are considered valid. These typically include:

– Paternal side: father, mother, paternal grandfather

– Maternal side: maternal grandfather

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If the name of any of these relatives appears in the voter list, the applicant can use it for linkage, along with age and address proof. There is no directive to establish linkage beyond these immediate family members.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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