Teachers' Body Alleges Harassment of Election Officials in Noida
The district unit of the Uttar Pradesh Primary Teachers' Association has submitted a formal complaint to the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, alleging mental harassment of teachers deployed as Booth Level Officers (BLOs). This action comes just two days after First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against over 60 BLOs and seven supervisors across three police stations in Noida.
FIRs and Allegations of Negligence
The legal action was initiated under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, on the orders of District Magistrate Medha Rupam, who also serves as the District Election Officer. Sub-district magistrates from three Noida assembly segments filed the complaints, accusing the BLOs of alleged negligence and disobedience during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a letter dated November 24, the association's district president, Praveen Sharma, stated that approximately 1,800 primary teachers were appointed as BLOs in the district and are performing their duties diligently. The letter strongly contends that the registration of FIRs and adverse entries by the administration is causing significant mental distress to the educators.
Operational Challenges and a Resignation
The memorandum highlights several practical difficulties faced by the BLOs, particularly in rural areas. According to the letter, most families in these regions are showing little interest in the electoral revision process and are not returning the forms after filling them out post-distribution.
The teachers also reported technical issues, stating that the Election Commission's application for feeding details is not functioning correctly in rural areas. Furthermore, they raised serious concerns about data collection centers demanding OTPs via phone calls until 1:30 AM, which they argue poses a cyber crime risk and violates the personal privacy of both male and female teachers.
The association cited the resignation of Pinky Singh, an assistant teacher posted at a primary school in Bisrakh block's Gejha, as evidence of the stressful environment. They asserted that this incident reflects unhelpful behavior from higher officials and a tendency towards punitive action rather than problem-solving.
Appeals to Higher Authorities and Ongoing Process
Copies of the letter have been sent to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister's Office and the State Election Commission. Speaking to The Indian Express, Praveen Sharma elaborated on their demands, stating, "It is stressful. We have requested the administration to withdraw the FIRs, cancel the adverse entries, stop the mental harassment of the teachers, and ensure that senior officers cooperate with the BLOs to complete the work in a dignified manner."
This controversy unfolds during the one-month enumeration period of the second phase of the SIR, which is currently ongoing in nine states and three Union Territories. Unlike the process in Bihar, this phase places the responsibility on BLOs to match elector details on the forms with the old electoral rolls of electors or their parents. The deadline for this extensive exercise is set for December 4.
