Is There Anomalies in BLO Selection in Bengal? ECI Team to Investigate
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Synopsis
In an alarming turn of events, a review by the Election Commission of India highlights serious claims of misconduct in the selection of booth-level officers in West Bengal. Key officials will meet to address these widespread irregularities and ensure compliance with ECI guidelines.
Key Takeaways
- ECI's investigation into BLO selection irregularities is crucial for election integrity.
- Top officials will gather to address compliance with selection criteria.
- Contractual employees were improperly selected as BLOs.
- Disciplinary measures may be enforced against non-compliant teachers.
- Upcoming meetings aim to ensure adherence to ECI guidelines.
Kolkata, Oct 5 (NationPress) A delegation from the Election Commission of India, spearheaded by Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti, is set to examine next week the claims of extensive irregularities in the appointment of West Bengal government employees as booth-level officers (BLOs). Concerns have arisen as many appointees reportedly do not fulfill the selection criteria outlined by the ECI.
According to sources within the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the ECI team will also scrutinize the involvement of district-level electoral officials in endorsing these questionable selections.
This review is part of a broader assessment ahead of the upcoming special intensive revision in West Bengal.
The meeting, chaired by Bharti, will convene top officials from the CEO's office, with virtual participation from District Magistrates (District Election Officers) and their subordinate electoral staff.
The primary issue at hand is that approximately 2,000 booths in specific districts have seen the selection of contractual state government employees as BLOs without the necessary approval from the CEO’s office, contravening ECI regulations.
As per ECI stipulations, only permanent state government employees in the Group-C category or above, as well as teaching personnel in state-run institutions, should be eligible for the BLO positions.
If there is an insufficient pool of eligible permanent employees and teachers, only then can contractual employees be appointed, and this must be with the CEO’s office's prior consent.
The Deputy CEO, along with the ECI’s Director General (Information Technology) and other senior Commission officials, will arrive in Kolkata on the evening of October 7. They will hold the important meeting the following day. Additionally, on October 9, the team is scheduled to visit select districts to engage directly with district electoral officials.
Recently, West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal reached out to the State Education Department, highlighting the hesitation among certain teaching staff in state-run schools to accept BLO assignments, despite clear directives from a Calcutta High Court ruling.
The CEO's office has also warned of potential disciplinary actions against teachers who fail to report for BLO duties after a specified timeframe.
Point of View
The integrity of electoral processes is paramount. The complaints regarding BLO selections in West Bengal signal a need for stringent adherence to guidelines. It is crucial that the electoral commission addresses these anomalies decisively to uphold the trust of the electorate.
NationPress
06/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ECI team's visit?
The ECI team aims to investigate complaints regarding irregularities in the selection of booth-level officers in West Bengal, ensuring compliance with the mandated selection criteria.
Who will be involved in the review process?
The review will include top officials from the CEO's office and will involve virtual participation from district magistrates and electoral officials.
What are the selection criteria for BLOs?
According to ECI guidelines, only permanent state government employees in Group-C or above and teachers from state-run schools should be eligible for BLO positions.
What actions may be taken against non-compliant teachers?
The CEO's office has warned of disciplinary actions against teachers who refuse to accept BLO duties after a specific period.
When will the ECI team be conducting their review?
The ECI team will hold their crucial meeting on October 8 and will visit districts on October 9.
