The Old Voter List West Bengal Download from 1952 to 1971 is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore their family history, resolve legal disputes, or verify citizenship. These records, maintained by the Directorate of State Archives, Government of West Bengal, contain details of eligible voters during those years. Whether you’re a researcher, a genealogist, or someone handling a court case, these electoral rolls can provide critical information about your ancestors or property disputes. This article explains what the old voter list is, its objectives, how to download it, eligibility criteria, required documents, benefits, and contact details in simple language.
What is the Old Voter List of West Bengal (1952–1971)?
The Old Voter List of West Bengal (1952–1971) is a collection of electoral rolls that list the names of registered voters in West Bengal during that period. These records were created by the Election Commission of India and are now archived by the West Bengal State Archives. They include details like voters’ names, addresses, and constituencies for specific years (1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, and 1971). These lists are available as PDF files on the official website, making it easy for people to access historical data.
The lists are important because they serve as official proof of residence, identity, or ancestry, especially for legal matters like land disputes or citizenship verification. For example, people from Assam often use these records to prove their family’s residence in India before 1971 for the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Objective of the Old Voter List West Bengal
The main objectives of preserving and providing access to the old voter list of West Bengal (1952–1971) are:
- Historical Research: To help researchers and historians study voting patterns, demographics, and social history.
- Legal Evidence: To provide certified copies for court cases, property disputes, or citizenship claims.
- Genealogy: To assist people in tracing their family history or finding ancestors’ records.
- Transparency: To make public records accessible to all citizens for free, ensuring ease of use.
- Citizenship Verification: To support applications like the NRC by proving residence in India before 1971.
Helpful Summary of Old Voter List West Bengal
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Period | 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1971 |
| Source | Directorate of State Archives, Government of West Bengal |
| Purpose | Historical research, legal evidence, genealogy, citizenship verification |
| Access Method | Online via https://oldelectoralrolls.wb.gov.in |
| Eligibility | Any Indian citizen, no age or residency restrictions |
| Documents for Certified Copy | Photo ID, application form with voter details (e.g., Part No., Ward No.) |
| Benefits | Free access, legal proof, family history tracing |
| Contact | 43, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 700017, PH: 033-22810661 |
How to Old Voter List of West Bengal Download (1952–1971)
old voter list download is simple and can be done online. Follow these steps to access the records:
- Visit the Official Website
Go to the Old Electoral Rolls Portal at https://oldelectoralrolls.wb.gov.in . This is the official site managed by the West Bengal State Archives. - Click on “View Electoral Roll”
On the homepage, find and click the “View Electoral Roll” button or use the top menu to navigate to the voter list section. - Choose the Year
Select the year you need from the available options: 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, or 1971. - Select Your District
Choose your district (e.g., Kolkata, Murshidabad, Jalpaiguri) from the dropdown menu. A list of assembly constituencies will appear. - Select Assembly Constituency
Click on the relevant assembly constituency to see the available voter list parts. - View or Download the PDF
Click the link to open the PDF file. You can view it online or download it to your device. Note that downloads may take time depending on your internet speed. Use browsers like Chrome or Firefox for the best experience. - Reset and Search Again (if needed)
If you need to search for another year or district, use the “Reset” button to start a new search.
Tip: If the website is slow or inaccessible, some unofficial sites host these PDFs on Google Drive. However, always verify the authenticity of such sources.
Voter Card Verification Process
Eligibility Criteria
Anyone can access the old voter list of West Bengal (1952–1971) as long as they are:
- An Indian citizen (no specific age or residency requirements).
- Interested in historical records for research, legal, or personal purposes.
For a certified copy of the voter list (required for legal purposes like court cases or NRC), you must:
- Provide accurate details like Part No., Electoral Area, Ward No., or Volume No.
- Submit a formal application with identity proof.
Documents Required for Certified Copy
To obtain a certified copy of the old voter list, you need to submit:
- Application Form: A written request addressed to the Assistant Director, Directorate of State Archives, including:
- Year of the voter list (e.g., 1952).
- Part No. / Electoral Area No.
- Ward No. / Road No. / Mouza.
- Volume No. (if available).
- Serial No. of the voter in the electoral roll.
- Purpose (e.g., court case, citizenship proof).
- Photo Identity Proof: A self-attested copy of any government-issued ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID).
- Contact Details: Your full name, mobile number, and email (if available).
- Signature and Date: Sign and date the application.
Submit the application to the Directorate of State Archives at the address below.
Benefits of Accessing the Old Voter List
The old voter list of West Bengal (1952–1971) offers several benefits:
- Free Access: The online portal is free for all citizens, saving time and money.
- Legal Proof: Certified copies are accepted in courts for land disputes, inheritance cases, or citizenship verification (e.g., NRC).
- Family History: Helps trace ancestors’ names, addresses, and voting records, connecting you to your roots.
- Research: Useful for historians and researchers studying West Bengal’s electoral or social history.
- Transparency: Public access to these records promotes openness in governance.
Contact Details
If you face issues downloading the voter list or need a certified copy, contact:
- Directorate of State Archives
Address: 43, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 700017
Phone: 033-22810661
Email: [email protected] - Alternative Address:
6, Bhawani Dutta Lane, Kolkata – 700073
Phone: 033-22411044 - Nirvachan Bhawan (for additional support):
Address: 21, N. S. Road, Kolkata – 700001 - Toll-Free Helpline: 1950 (for election-related queries)
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Certified Copy
If you need a certified copy for legal purposes, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Application: Write a formal letter to the Assistant Director, Directorate of State Archives, including all required voter details (year, district, constituency, etc.).
- Attach Identity Proof: Include a self-attested copy of your photo ID.
- Specify Purpose: Mention why you need the certified copy (e.g., court case, NRC).
- Submit the Application: Send or deliver it to the Directorate of State Archives at 43, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 700017.
- Pay Nominal Fee (if applicable): Certified copies may have a small fee, as set by the archives.
- Receive the Document: After verification, the certified copy will be issued, usually by post or in person.
Who can access the old voter list of West Bengal (1952–1971)?
Any Indian citizen can access it online for free. There are no age or residency restrictions.
How do I know which year or constituency to select?
Check family records, legal documents, or consult elders to identify the year and constituency where your ancestor was a voter.
Why is the website slow or not working?
High traffic may slow down the site. Try accessing it during off-peak hours or use alternative sources like Google Drive links (verify authenticity).
Conclusion
The old voter list of West Bengal from 1952 to 1971 is a treasure trove of historical and legal information. Whether you’re tracing your family history, resolving a property dispute, or proving citizenship, these records are invaluable. The West Bengal State Archives has made it easy to access these lists online for free. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can download the voter list or request a certified copy with ease. If you face any issues, the contact details provided will help you get support. Start exploring today and uncover the past! Visit https://oldelectoralrolls.wb.gov.in now.