Booth Level Officer (BLO) Ankur Kumar from Barnala district has become the first in Punjab to achieve 100 per cent collection and digitisation of enumeration forms under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He was honoured with an appreciation certificate by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab, presented by Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Harpreet Singh at the District Administrative Complex in Barnala.
Recognition and Impact
Deputy Commissioner Harpreet Singh congratulated Ankur, stating that his achievement reflects the commitment and professionalism of the district’s election machinery and will serve as an inspiration for BLOs across the state. Ankur Kumar, a computer teacher at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Tapa, has served as a BLO for eight years and is responsible for 731 voters in Booth 94, located in the Bhadaur Assembly constituency.
Preparation and Database Creation
Officials noted that Ankur began preparations well before the SIR. During the Election Commission of India’s Aadhaar seeding exercise, he compiled a detailed database containing voters' names, relatives’ names, house numbers, Aadhaar numbers, and mobile numbers. When the pre-SIR mapping exercise was launched, Booth 94 achieved 100 per cent mapping. He also created a comprehensive register listing each Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number, name, relative’s name, Assembly constituency, part number, serial number, and other relevant details.
Use of Technology for Voter Outreach
Using the mobile numbers available to him, Ankur created a WhatsApp group for voters of Booth 94 and regularly informed them about the documents and photographs required for the SIR. This initiative ensured the timely collection and digitisation of all enumeration forms assigned to his booth, according to a district administration officer. His efforts underscore the role of digital tools in enhancing electoral roll accuracy and voter engagement.
