West Bengal Government Announces Financial Aid to Families of 39 People Who Died Amid SIR Exercise Stress

Kolkata, December 2, 2025 The West Bengal government has announced financial assistance for families affected by deaths linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that families of 39 people, who reportedly passed away due to panic and stress caused by the SIR process, would each receive Rs 2 lakh in compensation. The announcement was made during the release of the government’s 14-year performance report. According to Banerjee, the deaths included cases triggered by extreme stress and panic related to the SIR exercise, which began on November 4, 2025. She said that the initiative, meant to update electoral rolls, has inadvertently caused widespread anxiety among some members of the public and election workers. In addition to the compensation for deceased individuals, the Chief Minister stated that thirteen people who fell ill during the SIR process would also receive financial support. This group includes three Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who reportedly suffered from illness due to “excessive workload” during the exercise. Each of these individuals will receive Rs 1 lakh in assistance. The SIR exercise, carried out across the state, involves verifying and updating voter information and has been described as “high-intensity” by local officials. While the exercise aims to maintain accurate electoral rolls, it has faced criticism from political leaders and civil society groups who say the pressure placed on both the public and election staff has been overwhelming. Chief Minister Banerjee highlighted that the government is committed to supporting affected families while continuing the SIR exercise. She emphasized that the compensation is meant to provide relief to those who have suffered due to unforeseen circumstances arising from the administrative workload and stress. Authorities have also indicated that measures are being taken to ensure that remaining staff and residents involved in the SIR exercise are provided with adequate guidance, breaks, and mental health support to prevent further incidents. Local administration is coordinating with health and law enforcement officials to monitor vulnerable individuals and provide timely assistance. The announcement reflects growing public concern over the human impact of large-scale administrative exercises. While the SIR is designed to streamline electoral processes, the fatalities and illnesses reported have prompted urgent attention from the state government. Political analysts suggest that the move to provide compensation could also help address criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. As the SIR exercise continues, the government is under pressure to balance the objectives of electoral roll accuracy with the wellbeing of citizens and election workers. The Chief Minister’s announcement of monetary aid aims to acknowledge the distress caused and provide some measure of relief to those directly affected. The situation underscores the importance of careful planning and support mechanisms during high-pressure government exercises, ensuring that administrative efficiency does not come at the cost of human health and West Bengal Government Announces Financial Aid to Families of 39 People Who Died Amid SIR Exercise Stress The West Bengal government has announced financial assistance for families affected by deaths linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that families of 39 people, who reportedly died due to stress and panic caused by the SIR process, would each receive Rs 2 lakh. The announcement came during the release of the government’s 14-year performance report. Banerjee said the deaths include cases triggered by extreme anxiety related to the SIR exercise, which began on November 4, 2025. She highlighted that the government is committed to supporting affected families while continuing the revision process. In addition, thirteen people who fell ill during the exercise, including three Booth Level Officers burdened by heavy workloads, will receive Rs 1 lakh each. The SIR, aimed at updating voter information, has caused stress for both the public and staff due to its intensive workload. Authorities are taking steps to provide guidance, breaks, and support for those involved in the exercise to prevent further incidents. The government’s move aims to balance administrative goals with human wellbeing, acknowledging the impact of high-pressure tasks on citizens and officials.