Will Booth Level Officers in Bengal Get Relief from Electoral Duties?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As the special intensive revision exercise approaches in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India emphasizes that booth level officers must provide genuine reasons for any relief from duties. With over 600 show-cause notices issued, the pressure on educators intensifies.
Key Takeaways
- ECI mandates valid reasons for relief from BLO duties.
- Over 600 show-cause notices have been issued to BLOs.
- Teachers in state-run schools are primarily affected.
- Calcutta High Court supports ECI's decision on BLO appointments.
- Disciplinary actions may follow for non-compliance.
Kolkata, Oct 22 (NationPress) As the announcement of the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal seems imminent, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has firmly stated that booth level officers (BLOs) in the state cannot expect relief from their electoral responsibilities without valid justifications.
Sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, revealed that the commission has mandated that any BLO requesting relief must provide a detailed explanation for their request.
So far, more than 600 BLOs in West Bengal who have sought exemption from electoral duties have received show-cause notices from the CEO’s office.
These notices require the affected BLOs to justify their requests within a 72-hour window.
Insiders from the CEO's office indicated that a significant number of those seeking relief are educators from various state-run schools.
Recently, CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal addressed a letter to the State Education Department expressing concerns over some teachers' unwillingness to accept BLO assignments, despite explicit orders from a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court.
In August, the Calcutta High Court upheld the ECI's decision to appoint teachers from state-run schools as BLOs, affirming that existing legal provisions support the assignment of election duties to educators.
The CEO's office has also warned of potential disciplinary actions against teachers who do not comply with BLO assignments after a specified duration.
Earlier this month, the CEO's office urged district magistrates, also acting as district election officers in West Bengal, to ensure that para-teachers are not selected as BLOs.
This advisory comes amid complaints from opposition parties regarding the selection process, highlighting specific concerns.
Point of View
It's crucial to maintain electoral integrity while ensuring that all parties fulfill their duties. The ECI's stance reinforces the importance of accountability among booth level officers, especially educators who play a vital role in the community.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for the ECI's strict stance on BLO duties?
The ECI emphasizes the importance of accountability and integrity in the electoral process, requiring valid justifications for any relief from duties.
Who is affected by the ECI's decisions regarding BLOs?
Over 600 booth level officers in West Bengal, particularly educators from state-run schools, are directly affected by the ECI's decisions.
What happens if BLOs do not comply with their duties?
The CEO's office has warned of potential disciplinary actions against those who fail to fulfill their electoral responsibilities.
