The Election Commission of India (ECI) will set up 160 special decentralized hearing centers in specific districts of West Bengal to assist marginalized communities in remote areas. These centers will be established in 12 districts, including Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Purulia, West Midnapore, Bankura, Nadia, West Burdwan, Howrah, and North 24 Parganas, as confirmed by sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal.
District Magistrates, who also serve as District Electoral Officers in these districts, recommended the establishment of these centers to the Commission through the CEO’s office. The Commission approved the proposal, emphasizing the importance of ensuring voting rights for marginalized individuals without any hindrances.
These hearing camps will be temporary setups in remote regions, where electoral officers will conduct hearings for marginalized individuals over a day or a few days. The Commission has been considerate towards marginalized groups during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, ensuring they are not deprived of their voting rights due to bureaucratic procedures.
In a recent announcement, the ECI stated that voters from three specific tribes, namely Birhor, Toto, and Sabar, will be automatically included in West Bengal’s final voters’ list without the need for any additional documentation. Moreover, special relaxations have been granted to sex workers, transgender individuals, and monks regarding identity proof requirements during the ongoing voter list revision sessions in the state.
