What is the New Electoral Duty Schedule for BLOs in Bengal?
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Synopsis
The ECI's new schedule for Booth-Level Officers in West Bengal sets clear responsibilities leading to the crucial Assembly elections. Discover how this affects the electoral process and the vital role of BLOs in ensuring accurate voter registration.
Key Takeaways
- New schedule for BLOs starting January 2.
- Presence required at polling booths for specified hours.
- Important forms: Form-6, Form-7, Form-8.
- Final voters' list to be published on February 14.
- Role of BLOs shifts from enumeration to limited support.
Kolkata, Dec 31 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a revised timetable for the responsibilities of Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), who are currently involved in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal. This schedule will take effect from the New Year and will persist until the final voters' list is released on February 14 next year.
According to the updated timetable, BLOs are required to be present at the designated polling booths for two hours each day from Monday to Friday.
On weekends, specifically Saturdays and Sundays, BLOs must be available at the polling booths for four hours.
BLOs are expected to carry Form-6, Form-7, and Form-8 while at the polling booths. Form-6 pertains to adding new names to the voters' list, whereas Form-7 is used for removing names from the list.
Form-8 is associated with requests for changes in residence, corrections in the existing electoral roll, replacement of photo identity cards, or assistance for persons with disabilities.
Sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, stated that this new schedule will commence on January 2 and will last until a suitable time before the final voters' list is published on February 14.
However, the mandatory presence of the BLOs at polling booths is expected to conclude by the end of January due to the upcoming secondary examinations conducted by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE), starting on February 2. Many BLOs are teachers affiliated with various state-run schools.
Sources from the CEO's office emphasized that the primary role of the BLOs was during the initial phase of the three-stage SIR exercise, which involved enumeration. Currently, the BLOs' role has become more limited.
The draft voters' list was released on December 16, and the final list will be available on February 14. Following this, the ECI will announce polling dates for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, scheduled for next year.
Point of View
The changes introduced by the ECI, especially regarding the roles of BLOs, highlight the importance of accurate voter registration. These updates are crucial for ensuring that the upcoming Assembly elections reflect the true voice of the people in West Bengal.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new responsibilities of BLOs in Bengal?
BLOs are now required to be present at polling booths for two hours each day from Monday to Friday, and four hours on weekends, to assist with the Special Intensive Revision process.
When will the final voters' list be published?
The final voters' list in West Bengal will be published on February 14 next year.
What forms are BLOs required to carry?
BLOs must carry Form-6 for adding names, Form-7 for removing names, and Form-8 for corrections in the electoral roll.
How long will the new schedule for BLOs last?
The schedule will commence on January 2 and last until a reasonable period before the final voters' list is published.
Why is the role of BLOs limited now?
The primary role of BLOs was during the enumeration stage of the SIR exercise. As the process continues, their responsibilities have become more restricted.
