What Actions is the Bengal CEO Taking Following the BLO's Death?
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Synopsis
A shocking series of incidents involving Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal has prompted the Chief Electoral Officer to demand reports following tragic suicides linked to work pressure. The cries for accountability from officials and family members raise critical questions about mental health and administrative practices in the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- The death of BLOs raises urgent concerns about mental health in electoral duties.
- Administrative pressures demand immediate attention and reform.
- The role of political accountability is crucial in these tragic incidents.
- Compensation for the families of deceased officers highlights the need for systemic changes.
- Public discourse around mental health must be prioritized in administrative contexts.
Kolkata, Nov 22 (NationPress) The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has requested an immediate report from the Nadia District Magistrate regarding the tragic death of a Booth Level Officer (BLO), as confirmed by administration sources.
The CEO's office has specifically instructed Aneesh Dasgupta, the Nadia District Magistrate, to provide this report without delay.
Additionally, the Election Commission of India has reached out to the Nadia District Magistrate via phone concerning this matter, according to reports.
It has also been noted that the Election Commission is still awaiting a report from the Jalpaiguri District Magistrate regarding the death of another BLO that occurred on Wednesday.
The Commission has expressed concern over the significant delay in receiving reports from District Magistrates regarding the deaths of booth-level officers.
This situation arose shortly after another BLO reportedly succumbed to pressure related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work.
The latest incident followed the suicide of a female BLO in the Mal Bazar area of Jalpaiguri district, which was attributed to similar work-related stress.
On Saturday morning, a female BLO was found hanged in the Shasthitala region of Krishnanagar in Nadia district. The victim, identified as Rinku Tarafdar (51), left behind a suicide note, holding the Election Commission accountable for her tragic decision.
In her note, she stated that her family was not to blame for her death and expressed that the Election Commission was responsible for her circumstances. She lamented about being an ordinary person unable to cope with the inhumane pressure of her duties and emphasized her low salary as a part-time teacher compared to the demands placed on her.
In response to this tragedy, the Trinamool Congress has criticized the Election Commission, highlighting that Rinku Tarafdar, a BLO from Shasthitala, was overwhelmed by administrative pressures and unrealistic deadlines, ultimately leading her to take her own life.
In a social media statement, the party expressed, 'Another innocent life lost in SIR panic. Rinku Tarafdar was mentally shattered due to the inhumane administrative pressure and the fear of punishment for minor mistakes, ultimately forcing her to choose suicide.'
The party further condemned the Election Commission's complex digital processes and the mental strain imposed on workers, accusing the BJP of exploiting these tragedies for political gain.
Previously, a female BLO named Shanti Muni Ekka also died by suicide due to alleged work pressure during the SIR exercise. This incident took place in the Mal Bazar area of Jalpaiguri, with her family alleging that she could no longer bear the pressure.
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticized the Election Commission following the suicide of the female BLO, claiming that approximately 28 individuals have died in the state since the Commission initiated the SIR of Bengal's electoral rolls.
Ms. Banerjee has called for the Election Commission to cease this 'unplanned drive' to save lives in West Bengal.
In light of these incidents, the West Bengal government has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the family of the deceased BLO, Shanti Muni Ekka, and Rs 1 lakh for BLO Tapati Biswas in Hooghly, along with a similar compensation for BLO Lalit Adhikari, who died in a road accident.
Point of View
The ongoing suicides of Booth Level Officers underscore a critical need for reforms in the electoral administration process. It raises significant concerns regarding the mental health support systems available for public servants. The accountability must be established, coupled with a thorough investigation into the pressures faced by these officers to prevent future tragedies.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the recent suicides of Booth Level Officers in West Bengal?
The suicides have been linked to extreme work pressure related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process associated with electoral duties.
What actions has the West Bengal government taken in response to these incidents?
The government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased BLOs and is urging the Election Commission to reevaluate the pressures imposed on these officers.
Who is responsible for the oversight of the electoral process in West Bengal?
The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, currently Manoj Kumar Agarwal, oversees the electoral process and is responsible for addressing issues faced by Booth Level Officers.
What has been the response from political parties regarding these tragedies?
The Trinamool Congress has heavily criticized the Election Commission, attributing the deaths to inhumane administrative pressure and calling for accountability.
How many officers have reportedly died since the implementation of the SIR in West Bengal?
According to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, approximately 28 individuals have died since the commencement of the SIR process.
