The Election Commission (EC) has introduced a new requirement for voter registration in West Bengal during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). For the first time, all new voter ID applicants must submit Annexure IV, a declaration similar to Annexure III, confirming their parental linkage as recorded in the 2002 SIR roll. The EC stated that this step is essential to ensure accuracy in the updated electoral rolls.
Starting 7 February, the verification of parental or grandparent details — including names, assembly constituency, part number and serial number — will be mandatory. Applicants turning 18 in January must also follow this rule. If parents or grandparents are listed in another state’s electoral roll, the applicant must provide those details from that state’s latest SIR records.
New applicants may apply only after 9 December, and must submit their forms by 8 January to be included in the final roll on 7 February. Along with Annexure IV and Form 6, the EC has mandated at least one of 11 identification documents, including birth certificate, passport, educational certificates, government-issued IDs, permanent residence certificate, caste certificate, NRC entries, land allotment documents or family registers.
