What Happened to the Bengal BLO Who Died from Work Pressure?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The tragic death of a Bengal BLO during the SIR exercise raises serious questions about work pressure and health implications. Namita Hansda's family claims she suffered a brain stroke due to relentless demands. With the Election Commission's ongoing activities, this incident highlights the urgent need for support and reform in such critical roles.
Key Takeaways
- Namita Hansda died due to a brain stroke attributed to work pressure.
- The incident occurred during the SIR exercise in West Bengal.
- Her family demands compensation for her untimely demise.
- The Election Commission is conducting enumeration until December 4.
- Support for public servants under stress is crucial for preventing such tragedies.
Kolkata, Nov 9 (NationPress) A woman Booth Level Officer (BLO) has tragically passed away during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal, according to police reports on Sunday.
The family of the deceased has asserted that she succumbed to a brain stroke as a result of overwhelming work pressure.
This unfortunate event occurred in Memari, located in the East Burdwan district.
The deceased has been identified as Namita Hansda.
Professionally, she was an Anganwadi worker.
Namita was serving as a BLO at booth number 278 in Chowk Balrampur, Memari.
She experienced a brain stroke on Saturday night after a grueling day spent going door-to-door to hand out enumeration forms.
After her health deteriorated, she was rushed to the Kalna Sub-divisional hospital for urgent medical attention but unfortunately passed away there.
Madhav Hansda, her husband, claimed that she faced relentless pressure to distribute enumeration forms.
He mentioned that she was mentally exhausted due to the demands of her job.
According to him, "Daily she was told to distribute increasing numbers of forms. This constant stress wore her down. She was still working late into the night when she suffered the stroke. She died shortly after."
In response to the BLO's death, East Burdwan District Magistrate Ayesha Rani remarked, "I am aware of this incident. Those who are unwell are exempt from BLO duties, and I am investigating this case."
Swapan Mandal, a polling worker and secretary of the BLO Unity Platform, has formally requested the office of West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to provide Rs 50 lakh in compensation for Namita's family.
The Election Commission plans to continue the distribution of enumeration forms until December 4 as part of the SIR exercise.
During this time, BLOs will conduct door-to-door visits to engage with voters.
The Election Commission has initiated the SIR exercise using the 2002 voter list as a reference point, being the last time West Bengal's electoral rolls were revised.
Forms with various details must also be submitted by December 4; thereafter, the primary draft voter list will be released on December 9.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the challenges faced by public servants like Namita Hansda. This incident underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of work conditions and mental health support for employees tasked with critical civic duties. It is crucial to ensure such tragedies do not recur, reflecting a commitment to the well-being of those serving the nation.
NationPress
10/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Namita Hansda's death?
Namita Hansda died from a brain stroke, which her family attributes to excessive work pressure during the SIR exercise.
What is the SIR exercise?
The SIR exercise is a process conducted by the Election Commission to update and distribute voter enumeration forms.
What compensation has been requested for Namita's family?
A compensation of Rs 50 lakh has been requested for Namita's family by a local polling worker.
How long will the SIR exercise continue?
The SIR exercise will run until December 4, after which the primary draft voter list will be published.
What support is available for public servants under stress?
There needs to be better support systems in place for public servants facing work-related stress, including mental health resources.
