As the December 4 deadline approaches for Rajasthan's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Booth Level Officers across the state are engaged in a race against time to complete the massive verification exercise. The Indian Express spent a day with two dedicated BLOs in Jaipur to understand the ground realities of this crucial democratic process.
The Daily Grind of a Booth Level Officer
For the past 20 days, 54-year-old Laxmi Gupta has been navigating the streets of Jaipur's Mansarovar Extension on her Scooty, armed with files and determination. A government schoolteacher by profession, Gupta serves as a Booth Level Officer responsible for verifying and updating details of 958 voters in her assigned area, which includes five high-rise buildings and rural stretches.
Her days are consumed by door-to-door visits, document verification, form filling, and endless phone calls. "Most people don't fill up the forms, and I have to sit with them and guide them. That takes up most of my time," Gupta reveals, highlighting one of the biggest challenges in the electoral revision process.
Technical Hurdles and Public Response
The revision process faces multiple obstacles, from technical glitches to public apathy. Gupta describes how the BLO app server crashes every 15 minutes, significantly slowing down the verification process. During one session in the lobby of Naman Residency, she managed to complete only 38 forms after several hours of work.
The exercise becomes particularly challenging because the last intensive revision was conducted in 2002, making that year's list the reference point for current verification. While Gupta has shared the 2002 list via WhatsApp, many voters still need hand-holding through the matching process.
Public response varies dramatically between urban and rural areas. "It's easier in rural areas where people assemble easily," Gupta notes, adding that urban residents often need guidance with form filling, though they typically complete the forms themselves once shown how.
Personal Sacrifices and Family Support
The demanding schedule has taken a toll on Gupta's personal life. "I don't remember when I went to the market last since November 4," she admits. Her workday typically begins around noon and extends into late evenings when residents are most likely to be home.
Family support has been crucial. Her husband, Sudheer Gupta, who works for a private firm, often accompanies her during evening rounds after finishing his work by 6 PM. Their dining table has been transformed into a temporary office, completely covered with electoral forms.
Progress and Pressure
Despite the challenges, Rajasthan has emerged as one of the top performers in the Special Intensive Revision process. As of November 22, the state had digitized 60.54% of its SIR forms, according to Election Commission data.
However, the pressure remains intense. BLOs are expected to complete at least 50 forms daily, a target many find difficult to achieve. The threat of show-cause notices for "not working efficiently" adds to the stress, with supervisors regularly monitoring progress.
Narayan Sisodia, spokesperson of the Rajasthan Teachers' and Panchayati Raj Employees' Union, describes the situation as "excessive pressure" and criticizes the Bhajan Lal Sharma government for rushing the process.
As the December 4 deadline looms, BLOs like Laxmi Gupta continue their tireless efforts, balancing their teaching responsibilities with this critical democratic duty, proving that the backbone of India's electoral integrity rests on the dedication of these grassroots workers.
