Kolkata Voters Gain New Online Feature to Check Hearing Notices and Upload Documents
The Election Commission has introduced a significant update for voters in Kolkata. Electors can now log in to the voters' service portal to check if hearing notices have been issued against their names. They can also upload their documents directly through this online system.
New Feature Added to BLO App for Monitoring Submissions
On Wednesday, a fresh feature called 'Document uploaded by citizens against notice' was integrated into the BLO App. This tool allows Booth Level Officers to see how many electors in their assigned areas have submitted documents online. It represents a step toward digital efficiency in electoral processes.
Voters whose mobile numbers and EPIC numbers are linked can access this service seamlessly. They can view online notices issued to them and upload necessary documents without physical visits. For those unable to log in, BLOs will continue to visit homes, collect documents, and upload them via the app.
Confusion Among Officials Over Hearing Requirements
Despite the new feature, both Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers express uncertainty. A key question remains unanswered. Will electors still need to attend hearings even after uploading documents online?
A BLO from south Kolkata shared concerns. "My supervisor informed me about the new option this morning. I was asked to check documents submitted by voters online. Now, we receive daily lists of voters with discrepancies. All those getting hearing notices must submit documents again. We lack clarity on whether hearings will proceed after online uploads. No circular from the EC has reached us yet. We need clear directions on our role when voters upload documents online," the BLO stated.
Lack of Clear Instructions from Election Commission
Swapan Mondal, general secretary of Voterkarmi & BLO Aikyamancha, highlighted the issue. "On Tuesday, the EC enabled voters to check hearing notices on the portal. This morning, another option suddenly appeared in the BLO app. Unfortunately, it was not clarified what BLOs or EROs should do, or if hearings are necessary. This confusion is spreading rapidly," Mondal explained.
An ERO echoed this sentiment, noting that apart from the new feature, no additional instructions have come from the EC. "We are still in the dark about what the commission expects from us and BLOs when electors upload documents," the ERO said.
Practical Challenges for Booth Level Officers
Another BLO pointed out practical difficulties. "Delivering hearing notices and collecting documents from voters consumes a lot of time. If the responsibility falls on us to verify documents uploaded by electors, it will be tough to manage all our SIR assignments effectively," the BLO rued.
This development marks a shift toward digital voter services in Kolkata. However, the absence of clear guidelines creates operational hurdles for officials on the ground.
