Should Families of Deceased MP BLOs Receive Compensation?
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Synopsis
Tragic losses of Booth Level Officers in Madhya Pradesh have sparked calls for compensation from the Leader of Opposition. As these dedicated workers succumb to health issues under immense pressure, the demand for accountability and support grows louder. Will the state government respond to these urgent pleas?
Key Takeaways
- Leader of Opposition demands compensation for deceased BLOs' families.
- BLOs face immense pressure leading to health crises.
- Election Commission's credibility questioned due to handling of SIR.
- Recent deaths highlight the urgent need for policy changes.
- State government urged to prioritize the safety of electoral workers.
Bhopal, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh, Umang Singhar, has made a call for compensation to the families of the deceased Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who tragically lost their lives while performing their duties during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state.
Singhar emphasized that these BLOs, who are primarily government employees and teachers, operate under significant stress imposed by the Election Commission.
“They are unable to voice their concerns publicly due to the threat of job loss. These dedicated individuals are compelled to work overtime daily without any leave. The Election Commission is prioritizing its image of efficiency and transparency at the expense of these workers’ health and safety, ultimately damaging its own credibility,” Singhar stated in an interview with IANS.
Regarding the alarming instances of illnesses and fatalities among BLOs, Singhar urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the state government to address this pressing matter.
He called for immediate financial support for the families of those BLOs who succumbed while engaged in the SIR tasks.
“It’s utterly unacceptable that BLOs are being pressured to exceed their working hours,” he added, stressing the need for the state government to reevaluate this situation.
In recent weeks, several BLOs, many of whom are teachers, have passed away in Madhya Pradesh. A recent case involved Veena Mishra, an Anganwadi worker acting as a BLO, who tragically died from a cardiac arrest in Rewa district.
Additionally, a 54-year-old government teacher, Maniram Napit, died from a heart attack while collecting voter forms in Shahdol district.
On November 20, another BLO, Ramakant Pandey, suffered a heart attack after an online meeting in Mandideep, Raisen district; he was declared dead shortly thereafter.
Another incident involved Sitaram Gond from Damoh district, who was hospitalized due to health complications and later died during treatment.
In Jhabua district, Bhuvan Singh Chauhan, a teacher working as a BLO, passed away from cardiac arrest after being suspended for negligence, with family members alleging that the stress from suspension contributed to his demise.
Additionally, Sujan Singh Raghuvanshi, another teacher serving as a BLO, was involved in a fatal accident while returning from duty late at night in Narmadapuram district.
Moreover, numerous BLOs are currently hospitalized across the state for severe health issues such as heart attacks and brain hemorrhages. For instance, Vijay Pandey experienced a brain hemorrhage during SIR duties in Rewa and is now receiving medical attention.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has been in progress across Madhya Pradesh’s 230 assembly constituencies since November 4, involving approximately 5,00,74,500 voters and 65,014 polling booths in the state.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the plight of Booth Level Officers in Madhya Pradesh. Their commitment to electoral processes should not come at the cost of their health and lives. The government must address these concerns, ensuring that the welfare of its workers is prioritized alongside the integrity of the electoral process. NationPress stands firm in advocating for justice and support for those who serve.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an electoral exercise conducted to update and verify the voter rolls in the state.
Who are Booth Level Officers (BLOs)?
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are government employees, often teachers, responsible for managing polling booths and ensuring the accuracy of voter lists.
Why is there a demand for compensation?
There is a demand for compensation due to the unfortunate deaths of several BLOs while performing their duties under significant pressure.
What health issues are BLOs facing?
BLOs are experiencing serious health problems, including heart attacks and brain hemorrhages, often attributed to the stress of their work.
How many voters are involved in the SIR in Madhya Pradesh?
The SIR in Madhya Pradesh involves approximately 5,00,74,500 voters across 230 assembly constituencies.
