Do you want to trace your family’s roots or check historical voter records? The Old Voter List West Bengal 1952 to 1971 is now available online. The West Bengal government has taken a remarkable step by digitizing historical electoral rolls for public access.
These electoral rolls, maintained by the Directorate of State Archives, Government of West Bengal, offer a glimpse into the past, helping people trace their family history, verify citizenship, or settle legal disputes. Whether you’re a researcher, a genealogist, or someone looking to confirm ancestral residency, these records are invaluable.
In this article, we’ll explore what the old voter list is, its objectives, how to download it, eligibility criteria, benefits, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear guide to accessing these records with ease.
What is the Old Voter List of West Bengal (1952–1971)?
The old voter list of West Bengal (1952–1971) consists of scanned copies of electoral rolls from general and assembly elections held in the state during this period. These lists contain names, addresses, and other details of registered voters, organized by year, district, and constituency. The records are preserved by the West Bengal State Archives and are publicly available through the official website: https://oldelectoralrolls.wb.gov.in/. They serve as crucial documents for proving residency, citizenship, or family lineage, especially in legal contexts like the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Objective of the Old Voter List West Bengal 1952 to 1971
The primary objectives of maintaining and providing access to these historical electoral rolls are:
- Preserving History: To safeguard records of West Bengal’s electoral past for future generations.
- Citizenship Verification: To help individuals prove their or their ancestors’ residency in West Bengal, especially for legal purposes like NRC.
- Genealogical Research: To assist people in tracing family histories and understanding their roots.
- Legal Support: To provide certified documents for resolving disputes related to property, inheritance, or citizenship.
- Public Access: To make historical records easily accessible to the public for research and personal use.
Helpful Summary of Old Voter List West Bengal 1952 to 1971
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Portal | West Bengal Old Electoral Rolls Portal |
| Years Covered | 1952 to 1971 |
| Location | West Bengal (All districts) |
| Type of Document | Historical Electoral Roll (PDF) |
| Mode of Access | Online (Downloadable PDFs) |
| Who Can Access | General public, researchers, legal authorities |
| Official Link | https://oldelectoralrolls.wb.gov.in |
| Language | English & Bengali |
| Cost | Free |
Old Voter List West Bengal 1952 to 1971 Download
The West Bengal government has made it simple to access these historical voter lists through the official website. However, the site can sometimes be slow due to high traffic. Here’s how you can download the old voter list from 1952 to 1971:
Step-by-Step Guide to Download
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://oldelectoralrolls.wb.gov.in/. This is the primary source for accessing the voter lists.
- Select Year: Choose the election year (between 1952 and 1971) from the dropdown menu.
- Choose District: Select the district where the voter was registered (e.g., Kolkata, Murshidabad, etc.).
- Pick Constituency: Select the specific assembly constituency from the available options.
- Click Search: Hit the “Search” button to view the relevant PDF files.
- View and Download: Browse the results, which are split into parts. Click on the desired part to view the PDF. Download it by clicking the download option. Note that downloading may take time depending on your internet speed.
- Search for Names: Open the PDF in a viewer like Adobe Reader and use the search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to find specific names. Be aware that scanned copies may not always be perfectly searchable.
- Cross-Check: For legal purposes, verify the information with official government sources or consult the State Archives for certified copies.
Note: If the official website is slow, some unofficial platforms like Google Drive mirrors may offer faster downloads, but always verify the authenticity of such sources.
Eligibility Criteria
Accessing the old voter list is open to everyone, with no strict eligibility requirements. However, here are some points to consider:
- General Public: Anyone can access the records for personal, research, or genealogical purposes.
- Legal Use: For official purposes (e.g., NRC, court cases), you may need certified copies from the State Archives.
- Residency Proof: Individuals or families seeking to prove residency in West Bengal before 1971 can use these lists, especially for NRC-related requirements in Assam or elsewhere.
- Technical Requirements: A stable internet connection and a compatible browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Opera) are recommended for smooth access.
Benefits of Accessing the Old Voter List West Bengal 1952 to 1971
The old voter lists offer several advantages:
- Proof of Citizenship: These records are recognized by the Supreme Court of India as valid documents for NRC purposes, helping prove residency before 1971.
- Family History: Discover your ancestors’ details, including names, addresses, and voting history, to build your family tree.
- Legal Documentation: Use certified copies for resolving disputes related to property, inheritance, or identity.
- Historical Research: Researchers and historians can analyze voting patterns, demographics, and socio-political trends in West Bengal.
- Free Access: The online records are available at no cost, making them accessible to all.
Contact Details
For further assistance or to request certified copies, contact the Directorate of State Archives:
- Address: 43, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 700017, West Bengal
- Alternative Address: 6, Bhawani Dutta Lane, Kolkata – 700073
- Phone: 033-22810661, 033-22411044
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://oldelectoralrolls.wb.gov.in/
Why are the old voter lists important?
The voter lists from 1952 to 1971 are crucial for proving residency, especially for NRC purposes, and for genealogical or historical research. They are recognized as valid legal documents.
Is it legal to access and download these voter lists?
These records are publicly available documents digitized by the Government of West Bengal for public use.
What if my area is not listed?
You may contact the local Election Office or the Directorate of State Archives for offline copies.
Conclusion
The old voter list West Bengal 1952 to 1971 is a goldmine of historical and personal information. Whether you’re tracing your family tree, resolving a legal issue, or conducting academic research — these archived documents are just a few clicks away.