Strict action against BLOs over lapses in electoral roll work: What are ECI’s new guidelines?
A senior ECI official said strict guidelines have been issued because the poll panel does not want any casual approach or mistake in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The District Election Officer shall place the BLO under suspension over any act or omission adversely affecting the accuracy, integrity or credibility of the electoral roll. (File photo)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) Friday sent instructions to the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states and Union territories, issuing clear guidelines for strict disciplinary action against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) over dereliction of duty, disobedience or irregularities.
Sujeet Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Election Commission, stated in the guidelines, “The Commission has considered the cases involving dereliction of duty, negligence, misconduct, willful non-compliance of the Commission’s instructions, violation of the provisions of the RP (Representation of the People) Act, 1950 or the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, or any act or omission adversely affecting the accuracy, integrity or credibility of the electoral roll by a BLO while discharging official duties and has decided that the following procedure shall be followed for disciplinary action…”
The District Election Officer (DEO) shall place the BLO under suspension in such instances and recommend to the concerned disciplinary authority departmental proceedings for insubordination or dereliction of duty, the guidelines said.
“Such recommendation shall be promptly acted upon by the concerned disciplinary authority and action taken communicated within a period of six months. In case of criminal misconduct, the DEO may promptly get an FIR registered against the erring BLO with the approval of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) as required under Section 32 of the RP Act,” it stated.
The letter added that the CEO of the state or Union territory concerned shall also be competent to decide and take action, “either suo motu or on the basis of a report received from the DEO/ERO (Electoral Registration Officer), against a BLO, like suspension followed by disciplinary proceedings, lodging of FIR, etc.”
“The action so decided by the CEO shall be executed through the concerned DEO. DEO shall take immediate necessary action by following the procedure laid down in the preceding paragraph. The conclusion of disciplinary proceedings in such cases shall not be affected without the prior concurrence of the CEO,” the letter stated.
A senior official said, “The ECI issued such strict guidelines because they do not want any casual approach or mistake in this stage of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). BLOs, who are the main lifeline of the process, should remain alert.”
Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain.
Experience
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express.
Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news.
Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions.
Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal.
Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla.
Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent.
Education
Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting.
Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University.
Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More
