How can we be in two places at one time: BLOs

Kolkata: Booth-level officers (BLOs) across the city are in a flap over their twin poll duties the same day next month.

While the EC has made it mandatory for all BLOs to work as volunteers at voter assistance booths (VABs) to be set up near polling stations in their areas, several have also been assigned the role of presiding officers in other constituencies. Being assigned two different poll tasks on the same day has left many confused, as "carrying out both assignments simultaneously won't be possible".

The BLOs, who have been asked to attend training workshops for presiding officers, are seeking clarity from the EC on whether they will be relieved of their duties at the voter assistance booths. "I work as a BLO in Tollygunge and was earlier told to work as a volunteer in the local assistance booth. Now, I have been asked to act as a presiding officer in one of the four constituencies of Kolkata South. It's not possible to manage both tasks on poll day. I am will meet the DEO to inform them of the issue," said one BLO.





As per the EC norms, the DEO appoints a presiding officer for each polling station. Bengal will have 80,719 booths, each requiring one presiding officer. According to EC officials, there will be a total of 96,863 presiding officers, with 16,144 in reserve.

The state has around 80,681 BLOs, most of whom are schoolteachers. EC officials said not all BLOs are "eligible" to act as presiding officers. Usually, assistant headmasters/headmistresses of govt schools, college teachers, and officers in govt depts are assigned duty as presiding officers.

A BLO in Howrah said, "Will I be allowed to choose between the two tasks assigned? After being instructed to man assistance booths, I was told to attend a training workshop for presiding officers. How can I perform both tasks together on poll day? From past experience, I know that a presiding officer has a lot of responsibilities and cannot concentrate on anything else."

A presiding officer's responsibilities include collection of polling material such as EVMs and VVPATs, making arrangements at booths, conducting mock polls, checking EVMs, overseeing commencement and closing of polls, and sealing EVMs and other polling material.