Why is the MP Congress Questioning Teachers as BLOs for the SIR Initiative?
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Synopsis
The Congress party is raising alarms over the appointment of teachers as BLOs for the SIR exercise in Madhya Pradesh, fearing it will disrupt education during a critical time for students. As the SIR process unfolds, will this decision impact students' board exam preparations?
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh Congress is questioning the appointment of teachers as BLOs for the SIR exercise.
- Teachers' absence may affect students' preparation for board exams.
- Over 15,000 schoolteachers are among the appointed BLOs.
- The SIR exercise runs until December 4, 2025.
- Final voter list publication is scheduled for February 7, 2026.
Bhopal, Nov 7 (NationPress) Following the commencement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the voter list in Madhya Pradesh, the opposition Congress has raised concerns regarding the inclusion of a significant number of teachers as Block Level Officers (BLOs). Congress argues that these teachers will be absent from their classrooms until the SIR process concludes in February 2026, coinciding with the onset of board exams for students in the 10th and 12th grades in the state.
The Election Commission has designated a total of 65,014 BLOs for the SIR initiative, out of which more than 15,000 are educators, as pointed out by Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition in Madhya Pradesh, Umang Singhar, on Friday.
Singhar highlighted that approximately 6,000 government primary schools exist in the state, where often only one or two teachers are available. He also mentioned that even school principals have been assigned as BLOs.
“In Neemuch district, five teachers faced suspension for opting to continue regular classes at their schools. The government should prioritize the students, especially with board exams just three months away,” Singhar remarked.
On Thursday, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari stated that the SIR process appears to be an attempt to eliminate voters from the list. “However, the Congress is vigilant in Madhya Pradesh, and no ineligible voter will be removed,” he vowed.
Patwari is scheduled to provide a comprehensive briefing to the press at the party headquarters in Bhopal on November 8.
It's worth noting that the Election Commission has initiated the second phase of the SIR process across nine states and three Union Territories (UTs) starting November 4.
This exercise is set to last until December 4, 2025. Each of the 65,014 polling stations in the state has been assigned a BLO, who will conduct door-to-door visits with enumeration forms.
As part of this initiative, BLOs are responsible for delivering enumeration forms directly to voters at their homes.
Claims and objections will be accepted until January 8, and all claims will be addressed by January 31, with the final voter list due for publication on February 7.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain unbiased while reporting on the Madhya Pradesh Congress's concerns regarding the appointment of teachers as BLOs. While the Congress emphasizes the potential disruption to education and student preparation for board exams, it is essential to consider the electoral process's integrity and the role of BLOs. Balancing these competing interests is vital for informed public discourse.
NationPress
08/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIR exercise?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is a process initiated by the Election Commission to update and revise the voter list in preparation for upcoming elections.
Why are teachers being appointed as BLOs?
Teachers are appointed as Block Level Officers (BLOs) to assist in the enumeration process, ensuring that voters are accurately registered and that the electoral process is seamless.
How many BLOs have been appointed in Madhya Pradesh?
A total of 65,014 BLOs have been appointed across Madhya Pradesh for the SIR exercise, with over 15,000 of them being schoolteachers.
What concerns does the Congress party have?
The Congress party is concerned that the appointment of teachers as BLOs will lead to disruptions in education, as these teachers will be away from their schools during a critical time for students preparing for board exams.
When will the final voter list be published?
The final voter list is scheduled to be published on February 7, 2026, after all claims and objections are resolved by January 31.
