The Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines regarding acceptable documents for the SIR. The hearing phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state of West Bengal has concluded, and the document verification is currently underway for those who were called for hearings.
In a letter sent on Monday to the state’s CEO office, the Commission clarified that documents related to financial assistance approvals under housing schemes will not be accepted as valid SIR documents. The move comes after confusion arose over the submission of such papers during the hearing process.
Also Read | Controversial posters spark sharp BJP–Trinamool showdown in Hooghly ahead of Bengal elections
PMAY, IAY and Banglar Bari documents rejected
According to the Commission’s letter, documents issued under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), and Banglar Bari rural housing projects will not be considered valid for SIR scrutiny.
Many individuals had submitted approval letters or beneficiary cards received under these schemes during the hearing phase. Due to widespread confusion, the state CEO office sought clarification from the Commission. In response, the Commission explicitly stated that such housing scheme documents are not acceptable during the verification stage.
Confusion over Supreme Court guidelines
Earlier guidelines from the Supreme Court of India had mentioned that documents listed in the SIR notice issued on October 27, 2025, would be acceptable. That notification included land or house allotment documents as valid proof.
However, many applicants interpreted this to mean that government housing scheme approval documents would also qualify. The Commission’s latest clarification draws a distinction between land or house allotment documents and financial assistance approval letters under housing schemes.
Trinamool protests EC’s stand
The All India Trinamool Congress has strongly objected to the Commission’s clarification. In a statement, the party questioned why the Commission did not clarify its position earlier when the issue was raised on January 21, 2026.
The party alleged unnecessary delay and asked whether the Commission was disregarding Supreme Court directives. It also raised concerns about the fate of applicants who had already submitted beneficiary cards and approval letters under the housing schemes.
The Trinamool further questioned why there should be one rule for other states in the country and a different rule for Bengal, intensifying the political debate surrounding the ongoing SIR process.
