SIR of electoral rolls | UP moves against BLOs: 60 booked in Noida, 2 suspended in Bahraich

The one-month enumeration phase for the SIR phase-II, ongoing in nine states and three Union Territories, has put BLOs in charge of distribution and collection, with a December 4 deadline. Unlike the Bihar exercise, the current phase places the onus on the BLOs to match the elector details on the forms with the old electoral rolls of electors or their parents during the enumeration phase itself.

According to the Nodia administration, despite repeated instructions, warnings and notices, several BLOs “did not report to their assigned areas” and “failed to adhere to orders issued by senior officials”.

Four FIRs have been registered. Two are in Dadri, naming 18 officials: 12 anganwadi workers and government school teachers in one, and six who had been appointed as supervisors in the other.

In Greater Noida’s Ecotech Phase 1 police station, an FIR has been registered against 33 BLOs and one supervisor. In Jewar police station, officials have filed an FIR against 17 BLOs. Each FIR has been lodged by the area’s SDM, who has been appointed to act as the local electoral registration officer (ERO) during the ongoing SIR exercise.

A detailed statement issued from the DM’s “War Room” said strict action had been ordered in line with the Election Commission of India’s instructions.

On Saturday, DM Rupam held a review meeting with Sector and Zonal Magistrates at the Collectorate, directing them to ensure “effective, transparent and time-bound” completion of the revision exercise. “Every BLO must reach their area on time, conduct door-to-door visits and complete Form 6 for new voters and Form 8 for transfers or amendments,” the DM said.

Any delay or negligence, she said, would invite notices and demands for clarification. The administration has earlier warned that repeated non-compliance could lead to salary withholding and disciplinary action.

In Bahraich

Bahraich’s Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Ashish Kumar Singh said that Shama Nafees, the headmistress of a primary school who had been assigned as a BLO, has been accused of ignoring both written notices and repeated phone calls directing her to report for duty, despite reminders issued by senior officials. Similarly, Anurag, an assistant teacher at a primary school, allegedly refused to carry out the responsibilities assigned to him under the SIR exercise.

Singh said that despite regular instructions, the two were not ready to perform their duty.

Meanwhile, acting on a complaint filed by BJP leader Ankit Kumar Singh, police have registered a case against BLO Abhishek Singh, an instructor at a primary school. The three BLOs could not be contacted for a comment.

According to the police, the complainant claimed that, following directions from the party, he had called BLO Singh on November 18 to seek information regarding the distribution of SIR forms. The complaint alleged that Singh became agitated during the call and used objectionable language.

The complainant claimed the incident had damaged the reputation of the party and its leader, leaving the latter fearful and distressed.

The FIR has been lodged at Visheshnwarganj police station under sections of insult to provoke breach of peace, criminal intimidation and defamation. Circle Officer Bahraich, Raj Singh Yadav, said the complainant has submitted a call recording and chats.