Bengal Govt Announces Compensation After Suicides Linked to SIR Fear: Mamata Banerjee

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday made a grave allegation that fear arising from the Standardisation of Electoral Roll (SIR) process has led to multiple suicides in the state. Speaking at an administrative event, she said both citizens and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) had taken their lives due to pressure, confusion, and anxiety associated with the verification exercise.

“Many people have committed suicide due to the fear of SIR, and some BLOs have also taken their own lives,” Banerjee said. According to her, a total of 39 individuals have died in incidents allegedly linked to distress over the electoral roll revision. The Chief Minister announced compensation measures to support impacted families. “For the 39 people who lost their lives, we will provide Rs 2 lakh each, and those who are currently admitted to hospitals will receive Rs 1 lakh each,” she stated.

Banerjee reiterated her demand that the Centre and the Election Commission halt what she described as a “harsh and panic-creating” process until clarity and safeguards are put in place. She accused authorities of mishandling sensitive civic data collection and exerting undue pressure on ground-level officials. The state government has started gathering reports from districts to determine further steps, she added.