Why Did the Bengal Govt Release Funds for BLO Remuneration Under ECI Pressure?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant move, the West Bengal government has released Rs 51 crore for booth-level officer remuneration, responding to the Election Commission's demands. With numerous BLOs under pressure, this funding aims to support their essential work during the Special Intensive Revision process. Details reveal the crucial role and challenges faced by these officers.
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal government has released Rs 51 crore for BLO remuneration.
- 81,000 BLOs are actively engaged in the SIR process.
- The draft voters’ list publication is set for December 16.
- BLOs face intense pressure, leading to tragic outcomes.
- Timely funding is crucial for supporting these essential workers.
Kolkata, Dec 8 (NationPress) Under the persistent pressure from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the government of West Bengal has finally disbursed the initial tranche of funds intended for the remuneration of booth-level officers (BLOs) involved in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. This release, amounting to Rs 51 crore, was confirmed by an official from the state finance department.
Last week, the ECI highlighted that a total of Rs 70 crore was outstanding from the state government concerning BLO remuneration, as it is the responsibility of the respective state government to cover these costs, given that BLOs are state employees.
The commission also mentioned that it had sent two consecutive requests to the state secretariat, Nabanna, urging for the release of these funds. As a result, on Monday, the state government released the first installment of funds designated for BLO remuneration.
The BLOs participating in the ongoing SIR initiative are set to receive approximately Rs 14,000, while BLO supervisors are expected to earn Rs 18,000. Currently, there are around 81,000 BLOs actively engaged in the SIR exercise throughout the state.
The responsibility of BLOs commenced with the initiation of the SIR exercise on November 4 and will conclude with the publication of the draft voters’ list on December 16. Their duties during the first phase included distributing enumeration forms, collecting completed forms, and uploading them onto the BLO application.
During the initial phases, several BLOs were warned after being found distributing and collecting forms at specific locations, urging voters to come to those sites, contrary to the commission’s directive to visit voters' homes for this purpose.
The first stage has also seen reports of suicides and deaths among BLOs, allegedly due to the overwhelming pressure related to SIR responsibilities.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight the challenges faced by BLOs during the Special Intensive Revision. While the timely release of funds is a positive step, the reported pressures leading to tragic outcomes cannot be overlooked. The government must prioritize not just financial support but also the well-being of these essential workers. NationPress stands committed to covering these critical developments as they unfold.
NationPress
10/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount released for BLO remuneration?
The West Bengal government released Rs 51 crore for the remuneration of booth-level officers.
How many booth-level officers are engaged in the SIR process?
Currently, there are approximately 81,000 booth-level officers involved in the Special Intensive Revision exercise.
When will the draft voters’ list be published?
The draft voters’ list is scheduled to be published on December 16.
What are the remuneration amounts for BLOs and their supervisors?
BLOs are expected to receive around Rs 14,000, while BLO supervisors will earn Rs 18,000.
What issues have BLOs faced during their duties?
BLOs have reported high levels of pressure, with some tragically facing suicides and deaths linked to their workload.
