Amid 'SIR deaths', officials say Phase-2 easier than Bihar exercise

NEW DELHI: Amid attempts to link the deaths or alleged suicides by booth-level officers (BLOs), particularly in West Bengal, to "pressure" of work related to the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, election-related officials pointed out that Phase-2 of the exercise was progressing at a much more relaxed pace than Phase-1, which was exclusive to Bihar.

An officer said while the distribution of enumeration forms was completed in four days in Bihar, it stretched for 10 days in Phase-2 across 12 states and UTs. While states like West Bengal have seen a steady procession of alleged SIR-related suicides and complaints of work pressure, reports of some deaths have also been received from Gujarat, Rajasthan and MP.




On the other hand, work is on seamlessly in other states/UTs. For instance, a differently-abled BLO in Rajasthan, Babulal, has already completed 100% digitisation of enumeration forms, as has woman BLO Jyoti Pawar in Madhya Pradesh's Nepanagar assembly constituency. Even reports from Left-led Kerala suggest good participation.

Officers pointed out that the digitisation of enumeration forms in SIR's Phase-2 was, on an average, progressing at a comfortable pace, with each BLO completing around 50-60 forms a day. "Around 40% forms were digitised in the 10 days from Nov 14-23, and at this steady rate, the task looks achievable by the Dec 4 deadline. Besides, even if eligible electors do not show up in the draft list, they have time until Feb 7 to get added to the final roll," said the officer.

The officer added that over 450 BLOs were suspended in Bihar for not doing their duty properly. "But there were no suicides," he said.

It may also do well to verify whether the BLOs are indeed being subjected to pressures that may be driving them to suicide or causing their deaths. "It may possibly be related to other reasons, including political pressure, a health issue or family reasons. For instance, the suicide by a woman BLO in Nadia. Though the West Bengal chief electoral officer has sought a report from the district magistrate, the reason for death can only be established based on the postmortem report; in case a suicide or murder is confirmed, an FIR will follow," he said.

"The suicide note will then be sent for forensic analysis to establish its authenticity. Calling it a suicide at this juncture is premature. Even if it does turn out to be death while discharging duty, the rules require the kin to be compensated," he said.
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