The wife of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Howrah has made a desperate appeal to the Election Commission of India for financial assistance to cover her husband's mounting medical expenses. The BLO is currently hospitalized with a severe leg infection, which his family claims was exacerbated by the extensive walking required for his election-related duties.
A Plea for Financial Support
Moumita Banerjee, a resident of Makardah and wife of BLO Anirban Banerjee, approached the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, seeking help. Her husband, a primary school teacher from Domjur, is undergoing treatment for a serious infection in his left leg at a private hospital off EM Bypass in Kolkata. With medical bills rising sharply over the past three days, the family found themselves in a precarious financial situation.
On Thursday afternoon, Moumita met with Additional CEO Dibyendu Das to present her case. She detailed how her husband, who suffers from a 50% disability from an accident two years ago, was compelled to take up the BLO role for part number 63 in Domjur. Despite submitting his disability certificate with a request for exemption from BLO duties, he received no response from authorities.
How Duty Aggravated a Medical Condition
According to the family, the infection's severity is directly linked to the strenuous physical demands of the Summary Revision (SIR) exercise. Anirban Banerjee sustained a toe injury back in July, and doctors had advised him against walking long distances. However, the SIR work required extensive door-to-door visits, leaving his legs with no respite.
"The infection in my left leg took a serious turn as it was bleeding. Now my bleeding has stopped, but treatment for the infection is still on," stated Banerjee from his hospital bed. His wife explained that the condition deteriorated due to the constant walking, ultimately leading to his hospitalization on Tuesday night when the infection reached an acute stage.
EC's Response and Family's Dilemma
In response to Moumita's appeal, the Election Commission stated they would try to arrange for the BLO's transfer to a state-run medical facility like the SSKM Hospital for free treatment. However, this proposed solution has created a dilemma for the family.
Moumita clarified that her primary appeal was for the EC to share the treatment expenses, not necessarily to transfer her husband to another hospital. "I have discussed the matter with my family members who are hesitating to shift him to another hospital," she said, expressing concern over moving a patient who is in the middle of ongoing treatment.
Adding to the family's distress, Moumita alleged that she was compelled to digitize approximately 80 forms for the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), despite not being a BLO or government employee herself. She was told it was "an easy job" to complete in light of her husband's hospitalization.
This case highlights the challenges faced by ground-level election workers and raises questions about the support system and safeguards for those with pre-existing medical conditions who are assigned physically demanding electoral duties.
