Did a West Bengal BLO Take Her Life Due to SIR Workload?
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Synopsis
The tragic suicide of a female Booth Level Officer in West Bengal during a demanding election exercise raises urgent questions about the pressures faced by election workers. With similar incidents reported recently, this situation calls for immediate attention and intervention from authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Overwhelming Workload: The pressures faced by BLOs during election periods can have severe consequences.
- Need for Mental Health Support: It is vital to provide mental health resources for public officials.
- Government Accountability: Authorities must assess and adjust the responsibilities of BLOs to prevent further tragedies.
Kolkata, Nov 19 (NationPress) A female Booth Level Officer (BLO) tragically passed away, reportedly by suicide, amidst the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, according to police reports on Wednesday.
This heartbreaking event took place in the Mal Bazar locality of Jalpaiguri district.
The lifeless body of the female BLO was discovered hanging in her home's yard early Wednesday morning.
The family contends that she chose to take her own life due to the overwhelming pressure associated with SIR responsibilities.
Authorities have confirmed that the deceased has been identified as Shantimani Ekka, a resident of Rangamati Panchayat in Mal Bazar. She had recently been assigned the SIR duties.
In her role as a BLO, she was tasked with visiting homes to distribute enumeration forms and collect completed ones.
Upon finding her body, family members promptly notified the local police, who subsequently arrived to recover the remains and send them for an autopsy.
Upon learning of the incident, Minister of State for Backward Classes Welfare and Tribal Development Bulu Chik Baraik visited the home of the deceased BLO. He spoke with her family and extended his support.
"This is a tragic incident. The workload on BLOs is excessive. The Election Commission needs to address this situation. We will support the BLO's family," expressed the minister.
Relatives of the deceased claimed that the woman struggled to cope with the "significant workload" of the SIR operation, leading her to experience depression.
Earlier this month, another female BLO succumbed to a brain stroke, which was also attributed to work pressure. This incident occurred in Memari within East Burdwan district.
The earlier victim was identified as Namita Hansda, who served as an Anganwadi worker and worked as a BLO for booth number 278 in Chowk Balrampur, Memari.
Her husband, Madhav Hansda, reported that she was under constant pressure to distribute enumeration forms.
He stated that she was "mentally devastated due to work pressure."
Point of View
Ensuring their well-being while they fulfill their duties. As a nation, we must advocate for a system that prioritizes both efficiency and the mental health of those who serve.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the death of the Booth Level Officer?
The female BLO, Shantimani Ekka, reportedly succumbed to the immense pressures associated with her responsibilities during the Special Intensive Revision exercise.
Where did the incident occur?
The tragic event took place in the Mal Bazar area of Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.
What support was offered to the deceased's family?
Minister Bulu Chik Baraik visited the family to offer support and emphasized the need for the Election Commission to address the excessive workload on BLOs.
