Raj BLOs report heavy workload, security concerns during SIR

Jaipur: The ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) exercise in Rajasthan has placed significant pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs), as highlighted by the deaths of two BLOs and one BLO supervisor since the initiative began on Nov 4. With a looming deadline of Dec 4, these officers are racing against time to ensure voters complete their enumeration forms, they then collect the physical voter enumeration forms and convert these into a digital format.BLOs across the state have voiced concerns over the ‘unrealistic expectations' and lack of voter awareness, which have compounded their workload. "Most voters are unable to fill the forms themselves, each taking 15–20 minutes," a BLO explained. "We have a daily target of 40 families, but we can only manage 10–15." "It's frustrating for us and for the voters," commented another BLO, who requested anonymity.The lack of awareness among voters about the previous SIR and the process of filling out enumeration forms has further complicated the task. BLOs have reported that many voters are unaware of how to search for their names in the last SIR, and the forms lack clear instructions. The lack of a voter awareness campaign by the district election officers (DEOs) exacerbates the problem, as mandated help desks by the Election Commission of India have not been implemented in many areas.In addition to the logistical challenges, BLOs have raised concerns about inadequate compensation and security. "There is no security for BLOs in sensitive areas. At times, we are harassed by the locals. If a voter's name was deleted by the previous BLO, the current BLO faces the wrath of voters," said Surender Singh, a BLO in Jaipur's Vidyadhar Nagar. He added, "Instead of moving around, the BLOs should have been asked to collect forms at the booths after having distributed these." The door-to-door collection process has been particularly challenging in slum areas, where residents frequently change addresses. Female BLOs face additional challenges, with many working without assistants in large constituencies having 1,500 voters in each polling station and lacking access to adequate washroom facilities. "The one-month deadline is impractical, and the workload is causing mental stress," a female BLO reported. "Moreover, the BLO app often malfunctions. Additionally, the rankings released for BLOs, supervisors, and AROs create even more pressure.The BLOs have called for better voter awareness campaigns, improved security measures, and a more practical approach to the enumeration process. Some even complained of inadequate man days of Rs 1,000 per month. "We spend up to Rs 1,000 each day carrying out this exercise." As this critical review process continues, the pressure on BLOs continues to mount, raising questions about the feasibility and safety of their responsibilities amidst voter outreach initiatives in Rajasthan. The need for structured support and clear communication from election authorities remains crucial as the Dec 4 deadline approaches.

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