The Election Commission of India on Friday clarified that the permanent residence certificate can be used as one of the documents to determine the eligibility of voters under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, an official said on Saturday.
In a communication sent to West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Friday, February 6, the Election Commission referred to earlier correspondence dated January 1 and January 12, 2026, and said that the SIR instructions issued on October 27, 2025 clearly listed the Permanent Residence Certificate as an admissible document.
EC clarifies permanent residence certificates
The commission said that resident or permanent residence certificates in West Bengal are being issued in accordance with the State Government’s letter dated November 2, 1999 and subsequent orders issued thereunder.
It clarified that Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) as competent statutory authorities under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, only accept resident certificates issued by designated authorities.
These authorities include the District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Officer and the Collector of Calcutta provided that the certificates are issued strictly in accordance with the guidelines notified by the State Government.
The commission directed that these instructions be brought to the notice of all concerned officials for their strict compliance.
