Did Excessive Work Pressure Lead to BLO's Death in Hathras?
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Synopsis
A Booth Level Officer's untimely death in Hathras raises alarm over the mental health of officials under pressure from intensive workloads. This incident highlights the urgent need for discussions around the Special Intensive Revision process and its impact on employees.
Key Takeaways
- Tragic incident highlights the mental health crisis among public officials.
- Family cites excessive work pressure as a key factor in the death.
- Immediate response from the district administration includes financial aid.
- Calls for a review of the SIR process are growing among opposition parties.
- Second reported death of a BLO in Uttar Pradesh in just two days.
Hathras, Dec 2 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday, when a Booth Level Officer (BLO) involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process suddenly passed away. His family has raised allegations that overwhelming work pressure contributed to his mental distress. This incident has sparked significant worries regarding the heavy workload and mental health challenges faced by officials engaged in the SIR exercise.
The deceased, named Kamalkant Sharma, was not only a government schoolteacher but also a resident of Brahmanpuri in Sikandra Rao. Family members reported that Sharma collapsed right outside his home on Tuesday morning as he was preparing for his work related to the SIR process. Although relatives rushed him to Aligarh for urgent medical attention, he tragically succumbed before reaching the hospital.
His wife, Neelam Sharma, expressed that her husband had been under intense stress for several weeks due to his extensive responsibilities.
“He was his usual self, but he often mentioned the pressure he felt to complete the SIR tasks. I advised him to not let it get to him, yet the demands only seemed to escalate. This morning, as he was heading out for SIR duties, he suddenly collapsed,” she recounted.
Following the shocking news of his passing, District Magistrate (DM) Atul Vats and the Superintendent of Police visited the family to gather information. The deceased's body was subsequently taken for a post-mortem examination.
DM Atul Vats assured that the administration would extend financial and institutional support to the grieving family.
“We received word around 11 a.m. that the BLO had been taken to a hospital but unfortunately passed away en route. His body is currently being examined. As a form of immediate assistance, the district administration will provide a day’s salary to the family, and we will ensure that his children’s education is supported. We will also explore providing his wife with a contractual job, as she holds an intermediate qualification,” Vats stated.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the teaching community and administrative sectors, with numerous teachers voicing their concerns over the demanding workload associated with the SIR process.
This marks the second reported death of a BLO in Uttar Pradesh within a mere two days under comparable circumstances.
On December 1, a 46-year-old teacher designated as a BLO in Moradabad was found deceased at home after allegedly recording a final message for his family. In this video, Sarvesh Kumar expressed his inability to cope with the pressures of fulfilling his SIR duties and asked his family for forgiveness. Kumar, who left behind four daughters, had only been assigned BLO responsibilities since October.
As reports of stress-induced fatalities among BLOs increase, opposition parties are urging an immediate review and discourse regarding the SIR process in Parliament.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the systemic issues impacting the mental health of public servants, especially those involved in high-pressure roles. The tragic death of Kamalkant Sharma serves as a wake-up call for authorities to reassess workloads and ensure adequate mental health support is available. The well-being of our officials should be paramount, and it's imperative that we advocate for necessary changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
02/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the death of the BLO in Hathras?
The family of the deceased alleges that excessive work pressure from the Special Intensive Revision exercise led to severe mental distress, contributing to his untimely death.
What support is being provided to the family of the deceased?
The district administration has pledged financial support, including one day’s salary, and assistance for the education of his children, along with efforts to secure a job for his wife.
Is this a common issue among BLOs in Uttar Pradesh?
Yes, there have been reports of increased stress and work-related fatalities among BLOs, raising concerns over the implications of the SIR process.
