BLO Workload Crisis in India: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a nationwide exercise designed to update voter lists before major elections. In 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the SIR across 12 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal. While the goal is to ensure accuracy and inclusivity, the process has come under fire after reports of BLO deaths allegedly linked to work pressure.
The article from The Telegraph India highlights the human cost of this exercise, with BLOs describing unrealistic workloads, malfunctioning apps, harassment from voters, and lack of institutional support.
2. What is the SIR?
The Special Intensive Revision involves:
- Distribution of enumeration forms to households.
- Verification of voter details by BLOs.
- Digitisation of collected data using mobile apps.
- Correction of errors and inclusion of new voters.
BLOs are appointed under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of People Act, 1950, drawn from teachers, clerical staff, anganwadi workers, postmen, and other government employees.
3. BLO Workload Crisis in India: Reported Deaths
At least five BLOs have died during the SIR:
- Two in West Bengal
- One each in Kerala, Rajasthan, and Gujarat
One case cited is that of Rameshbhai Parmar, a Gujarat schoolteacher who died of a heart attack after working late into the night on BLO duties. His family attributed the death to excessive work pressure.
4. BLO Testimonies
BLOs interviewed described:
- Unrealistic workloads: Hundreds of forms to distribute and collect.
- Constant phone calls: Voters call from early morning until late at night.
- Malfunctioning apps: Slow, unresponsive, and prone to errors.
- Harassment: Verbal abuse from booth‑level agents of political parties.
- Health toll: Skipping meals, working double shifts, exhaustion.
One BLO, a school principal in Kolkata, said she had been eating lunch as late as 6 p.m. due to workload.
5. Political Response
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner demanding a halt to the SIR, citing:
- Unrealistic workload
- Impossible timelines
- Inadequate support for online data entry
She warned that the credibility of the electoral process was at risk.
Meanwhile, the Bengal Chief Electoral Officer issued show‑cause notices to seven BLOs for alleged lapses in digitisation, further intensifying tensions.
6. Governance Challenges
The crisis highlights systemic issues:
- Understaffing: BLOs juggle regular duties with SIR responsibilities.
- Digital divide: Apps malfunction in rural areas with poor connectivity.
- Accountability gaps: BLOs face punishment for delays despite lack of support.
- Political pressure: BLOs are caught between voters, parties, and supervisors.
7. Broader Implications
The controversy raises questions about:
- Human cost of electoral administration
- Balance between accuracy and feasibility
- Need for better planning and technology support
- Risk of undermining voter confidence
8. Historical Context
India has faced similar controversies in past electoral roll revisions, with BLOs often complaining of overwork and inadequate compensation. The current crisis is notable because it has led to deaths across multiple states, making it a national issue.
9. Recommendations
To prevent further tragedies:
- Reduce workloads: Assign fewer households per BLO.
- Improve technology: Fix app glitches and provide offline options.
- Support staff: Hire temporary workers to assist BLOs.
- Health safeguards: Ensure reasonable hours and medical support.
- Transparency: Publicly acknowledge challenges and adjust timelines.
10. Conclusion
The SIR exercise, intended to strengthen democracy, has instead exposed serious flaws in electoral administration. The deaths of BLOs underscore the need for urgent reforms. Without addressing work pressure and systemic inefficiencies, the credibility of India’s electoral process may suffer.
🔗 Government External Links
For further reading and verification, here are official government sources relevant to this issue:
- Election Commission of India (ECI): https://eci.gov.in
- Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal: https://ceowestbengal.nic.in
- Representation of People Act, 1950 (Ministry of Law & Justice): https://legislative.gov.in
- National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP): https://www.nvsp.in
- Press Information Bureau (Government of India): https://pib.gov.in
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