Tragedy Strikes as Education Volunteer Dies During Election Duty
A 50-year-old shiksha mitra serving as a booth-level officer (BLO) in Lucknow has died after suffering a brain hemorrhage, sparking allegations of work pressure during election revision activities. Vijay Kumar Verma, who had been deployed as a BLO for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Lucknow on Friday night.
The deceased, a resident of Malihabad area in Lucknow, was serving as a shiksha mitra at a primary school and is survived by his wife and children. Verma had been admitted to the hospital last week after suddenly collapsing.
Teachers' Union Points Finger at Work Pressure
Following Verma's tragic death, the UP Prathmik Shiksha Mitra Sangh has alleged that his health deteriorated due to intense pressure to complete SIR-related work within the stipulated December 4 deadline. Sushil Kumar, state general secretary of the union, claimed that senior officials were pressuring Verma and had even threatened to file an FIR if he failed to meet deadlines.
"Officers were calling him at odd hours, adding to the pressure," Kumar alleged. "The family claims Verma became mentally disturbed due to the mounting pressure and collapsed suddenly last week."
The union has demanded financial compensation for Verma's family, arguing that since he suffered the medical emergency while performing election-related duties, his family deserves support. A memorandum detailing this demand was submitted to authorities on Saturday.
District Administration Denies Allegations
The Lucknow district administration has firmly denied allegations that BLOs were subjected to undue pressure. District Magistrate Vishak G stated that as soon as Verma's health issues were reported on November 14, he was immediately relieved of his duties and another official was assigned in his place.
The DM confirmed that Verma suffered a brain hemorrhage but maintained that the administration had taken appropriate steps once his medical condition came to light. The administration's response emphasizes their commitment to employee welfare while continuing election preparation work.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of similar concerns emerging nationwide. Recent reports indicate that four BLO deaths have occurred within a week, including two women assistant BLOs in Gujarat who died of heart attacks, raising broader questions about the stress associated with SIR responsibilities.
The union has called for reassessing the pressure placed on BLOs, particularly in rural areas where documentation challenges are compounded by illiteracy and agricultural work commitments among local residents.
