Booth Level Officers in West Bengal staged a significant protest outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office on Monday, expressing strong dissatisfaction with what they describe as excessive work pressure during the ongoing Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls.
Protesting Against Unreasonable Demands
The BLOs gathered in substantial numbers outside the West Bengal CEO's office, highlighting the immense pressure they face while conducting the house-to-house verification process. The protest comes amid the intensive voter enrollment drive that began on November 4 and is scheduled to continue until December 4.
According to protesting officers, the current workload under the Special Summary Revision has become unmanageable, affecting their ability to perform duties effectively. Many BLOs reported working extended hours without adequate support or resources from the election authorities.
Critical Timeline for Electoral Roll Preparation
The timing of the protest is particularly significant given the strict deadlines governing the electoral process. The house-to-house enumeration under SIR commenced on November 4 and will proceed continuously until December 4. Following this extensive verification drive, the draft electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on December 9.
This compressed timeline has placed extraordinary demands on the Booth Level Officers, who are responsible for ensuring accurate voter registration in their respective areas. The officers argue that the current pace and volume of work compromise the quality of the electoral roll preparation.
Implications for Election Preparedness
The protest raises important questions about the working conditions of election officials and the potential impact on electoral integrity. BLOs serve as the backbone of the election machinery, directly interacting with voters and maintaining the accuracy of electoral data.
Their grievances highlight systemic issues in election administration that could affect the upcoming electoral processes in West Bengal. The resolution of these concerns becomes crucial as the state prepares for future elections and works to maintain transparent democratic processes.
Election authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protest, but the situation remains developing as the December 4 deadline for house-to-house verification approaches rapidly.
