<h1>Border residents rush to verify birth records as Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls looms, facing fees and new certifications</h1> Residents in two border districts of West Bengal are urgently obtaining verified birth records amid a looming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of state elections. Many from minority communities are visiting municipalities, panchayats, BLO/BDO offices and courts; middlemen charge fees for affidavits and document filing. Authorities report that notarised affidavits alone are now deemed insufficient and certifications by municipal or panchayat heads and judicial magistrates are sought. The Election Commission has written to state officials about the revision. Local political actors report outreach to allay fears of disenfranchisement and deportation while officials process increased demand for document verification.