Has ECI Increased Remuneration for BLOs and Other Electoral Officials?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BLO remuneration doubled.
- Introduction of honorariums for EROs and AEROs.
- Recognition of grassroots electoral officials.
- Special incentives for specific roles.
- Enhancing electoral process integrity.
New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) In a vital step towards enhancing the management of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared a significant rise in the compensation for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other essential staff involved in the electoral roll preparation process.
For the first time, the Commission has also introduced honorariums for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs).
In a statement released on Saturday, the ECI emphasized the crucial role of the grassroots electoral machinery in ensuring the integrity and transparency of electoral rolls, describing them as the "foundation of democracy."
“The electoral roll machinery, which includes EROs, AEROs, BLO Supervisors, and BLOs, works with commitment and diligence to ensure impartial and precise electoral rolls,” the Commission stated.
“To acknowledge their hard work, the Commission has chosen to revise and enhance their remuneration. The last adjustment was made in 2015,” it further added.
Under the revised salary structure, the remuneration for BLOs has been doubled from Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000. The incentive for electoral roll revision has also been raised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.
For BLO supervisors, the pay has been raised from Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000.
AEROs will now receive an honorarium of Rs 25,000, while EROs will earn Rs 30,000.
Moreover, the Commission has sanctioned a special incentive of Rs 6,000 for BLOs participating in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The Commission stated that this decision is part of its broader objective to empower grassroots electoral officials and enhance the strength of the electoral process.
By recognizing the contributions of these officials, the ECI aims to motivate them to uphold high standards of efficiency and accuracy.
“This decision illustrates the Election Commission's commitment to fairly compensate election personnel who labor diligently at the ground level to maintain accurate electoral rolls, assist voters, and fortify the electoral process,” the statement concluded.