BLOs Demand Higher Compensation as SIR Deaths Mount in WB and MP
BLOs Demand Higher Compensation as SIR Deaths Mount in WB and MP
West Bengal BLOs push for more than ₹2 lakh for families after on-duty deaths during the SIR drive; MPs report similar work pressure amid calls for better support.
The BLO association in West Bengal has stepped up its campaign for higher compensation for colleagues who died while performing duties during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of the voter roll. The Votekormi and BLO Aikya Mancha, West Bengal State Committee, filed a deputation on Saturday to the Chief Electoral Officer, arguing that the state’s ₹2 lakh payout is disrespectful and inadequate. They noted that several government employees earn more, and stressed the need to support families left behind after tragic losses.
At least three BLOs in West Bengal have died during door-to-door enumeration and data collection for the SIR process. Two of the deaths were by suicide, and one occurred under unclear circumstances. Following the third death, political leaders pressed for accountability and faster action, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly questioning how many more lives must be lost to this process.
The deputation highlighted on-the-record concerns from BLOs about pressure from Electoral Registration Officers to finish work on tight deadlines. They also raised a practical hurdle: the BLO app, which is used to digitize SIR forms, reportedly lacks an edit option, forcing users to re-upload data and slowing down the already demanding workflow. The association argued that clerical errors are inevitable under stress, and the ability to edit submitted data should be restored to reduce mistakes.
This push for fair compensation comes as families and colleagues call for better safeguards for those carrying out voter rolls updates. The BLOs want a humane acknowledgment of the risk they undertake, and a compensation package that reflects the intensity and duration of the workload.
Separately, reports from Madhya Pradesh indicate two BLOs died across two districts, with relatives attributing the deaths to the heavy SIR workload. In those cases, kin argued that the pressure to meet enumeration targets contributed to the tragedy. These incidents collectively underscore a broader debate about the safety, welfare, and support structures for election workers during intensive data collection drives.
Cover image source: Two BLOs die across two districts in MP; kin allege SIR survey work pressure 🔗
