In an unusual administrative twist, a serving Block Development Officer (BDO) in West Bengal found herself standing in a queue for a voter list hearing, spotlighting potential gaps in the electoral roll revision process. The incident involves Bharati Chik Baraik, the BDO of Lava block in Kalimpong district.
A Rare Sight: BDO in the Hearing Queue
The scene unfolded at Meteli under the Matiali block of Jalpaiguri district, where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is underway. Bharati Chik Baraik was seen standing in line alongside other citizens categorized as 'unmapped voters'. This is a rare occurrence as BDOs are typically entrusted with supervising such revision exercises, not participating in them as subjects.
The hearing notice was issued to Bharati and her family members after their names reportedly did not appear in the 2002 electoral roll. Along with the BDO, notices were served to her father Kapil Chik Baraik, brother Pranab Chik Baraik, and sister Arati Chik Baraik.
Background and Employment History
Sources indicate a specific reason for the omission two decades ago. At the time of the 2002 SIR exercise, Bharati was employed at the Pendants Cement Factory in Gomtu, Bhutan. This overseas employment likely created complications in her voter registration process for that particular year.
While Bharati has already presented herself before the SIR authority, her father, brother, and sister attended their hearing on Monday. When contacted by TOI for comment on the SIR hearing issues, the BDO declined to speak. "I do not want to comment on this issue," she stated over the telephone.
Subsequent Registration and Career Postings
According to available information, the family's voter registration was later regularized. The names of the BDO's family were included in the voter list in 2004.
Bharati Chik Baraik is an experienced officer within the state administration. Prior to her current posting as the BDO of Lava block, she has served in similar capacities in Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and Nagrakata.
This incident has drawn sharp attention from administrative circles and the public, raising eyebrows about the intricacies and potential oversights in the vital process of voter list revision, even for those who are part of the system overseeing it.
