Voter List Update in Bengal: BLOs to Capture Photos Using App, AI to Detect Fake Voters

Voter List Update in Bengal: BLOs to Capture Photos Using App, AI to Detect Fake Voters

Kolkata, 17 November:

The Election Commission has intensified its efforts to update the voter list in West Bengal with a tech-driven approach. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been instructed to visit every household and collect voter photographs using a dedicated mobile application. This move is part of a broader strategy to digitize voter data and deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to detect duplicate or fake entries.

According to the latest notification issued on Monday, BLOs must revisit homes if necessary to capture clear photographs of voters. However, if the enumeration form already contains a clear image, retaking the photo may not be required. The Commission has clarified that attaching a photo to the enumeration form is not mandatory, but voters may paste a photo of any size in the designated space if they wish.

In cases where voters are unavailable for photo capture, their existing photographs will be used to complete the form submission. The Commission has already digitized the enumeration forms of nearly 8 million voters across the state. AI-powered software will analyze facial data to identify and eliminate fraudulent or duplicate entries, making the photo collection process crucial.

The notification also outlines several responsibilities and legal implications for BLOs and Booth Level Agents (BLAs):

• BLOs must verify and report accurate information about deceased voters, those who have relocated, or those whose names appear more than once in the list.
• BLAs submitting up to 50 forms daily must confirm the authenticity of the information and ensure that voters have signed the forms in their presence. They are also required to provide their contact details, address, part number, and serial number.
• Any misuse of the enumeration form or submission of false information may lead to imprisonment of up to one year, a fine, or both under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act.
• BLOs who fail to verify information properly may face penalties under Section 32 of the same Act.
• Since the forms are digitized, all data—including names, signatures, and photos—will be stored in digital records, making it easier to trace errors or fraud.
• If any correction is needed in the form, a single line should be drawn through the incorrect entry, and the correct information should be written in the same row.

For voters whose names are on the electoral roll as of 28 October 2025 but who have not yet received the enumeration form, the Commission has provided multiple contact options. They can call the toll-free number 1950 or 033-2231-0850. Alternatively, they can send their name, assembly constituency, part number, and serial number via WhatsApp to 9830078250. The Commission has assured that action will be taken within 48 hours of receiving such complaints.

The enumeration form distribution began on 4 November across West Bengal. BLOs are using the 2002 voter list as a reference to guide the form-filling process. Once completed, the data is uploaded through the Commission’s mobile app. As of Sunday 8 PM, over 99% of the forms have already been distributed, according to the Commission’s bulletin.

This tech-enabled enumeration drive is expected to enhance the accuracy and transparency of the voter list ahead of upcoming elections.