Why is TN Revenue Staff Boycotting the SIR Amidst Work Pressure?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bold move, the Federation of Revenue Department Associations in Tamil Nadu has decided to boycott the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, citing overwhelming work pressure and inadequate resources. This action highlights significant workforce challenges and potential disruptions in the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- Boycott by Revenue staff: A significant protest against work pressure.
- 70,000 employees impacted: High workload and mental stress reported.
- Inadequate resources: Allegations of poor planning and support from the Election Department.
- Electoral process at risk: Potential disruption to the Special Intensive Revision.
- Demands for change: Federation calls for deadline extension and policy review.
Chennai, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Federation of Revenue Department Associations has declared a boycott of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, arguing that this initiative was launched without proper planning, adequate manpower support, or sufficient financial resources.
This decision arises as approximately 70,000 Revenue Department employees, including those assigned as Polling Station Officers, face unprecedented workloads and escalating mental stress.
In a comprehensive statement, the federation highlighted that the Election Department has unexpectedly assigned SIR duties to revenue staff without the necessary training, additional personnel, or logistical support.
“Officials at all levels are enduring significant pressure and mental fatigue. We have already submitted a formal request to the Chief Electoral Officer for relief, but the circumstances have only deteriorated,” the federation affirmed.
The associations further claimed that numerous District Collectors were “intimidating and threatening” junior officers under the pretext of review meetings, causing growing discontent among field staff. In response, the federation has announced a total boycott of the SIR process starting Tuesday.
This boycott is expected to seriously affect the SIR initiative, as a considerable portion of the state’s frontline workforce is currently engaged in revision duties.
Tamil Nadu hosts over 54,000 Anganwadi and mini-Anganwadi centres, employing around 70,000 workers. According to the federation, nearly 80 percent of these employees have been appointed as Polling Station Officers for the revision.
The association noted that even Anganwadi organizers and helpers at the same centres have been tasked with election duties, which severely disrupts crucial nutrition services for children.
The federation indicated that its responsibilities under SIR encompass distributing revision forms, collecting completed forms, and uploading data to the system. While regulations state that staff can assist with electoral tasks between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., officials claim they are being compelled to perform SIR duties from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., interfering with their regular departmental obligations.
The federation has called for an extension of the deadline to complete the revision and an immediate cessation of the requirement for Revenue staff to upload filled forms into the system.
Until these matters are addressed, the associations have declared a complete boycott of the Special Revision process. The statement noted that all unions and officers serving as Polling Station Officers would join the boycott initiative.
Point of View
It is evident that the challenges they face are substantial. The claims of inadequate support and overwhelming pressure warrant serious consideration, as the electoral process's integrity is at stake. In light of these factors, it is crucial to find a balanced solution that addresses the needs of the workforce while ensuring a smooth electoral process.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the boycott of the SIR?
The boycott is primarily due to inadequate planning, lack of manpower, and insufficient financial resources for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
How many Revenue Department staff are affected?
Approximately 70,000 Revenue Department employees, including those designated as Polling Station Officers, are facing increased workloads and stress.
What are the responsibilities of the Revenue staff under the SIR?
Their responsibilities include distributing revision forms, collecting completed forms, and uploading data to the electoral system.
What impact will the boycott have on the electoral process?
The boycott is likely to significantly disrupt the Special Intensive Revision exercise, as many frontline workers are currently tied to these duties.
What demands has the federation made?
The federation has called for an extension of the revision deadline and the removal of the requirement for Revenue staff to upload filled forms to the system.
