Election Commission’s warning to BLO amid uproar over SIR in Bengal, if these violations are committed then there will be severe punishment.

To keep the election process humane and sensitive election Commission Has adopted a tough stance. A senior Commission official on Thursday clarified that if any voter aged 85 years or above or any sick or disabled voter is called for a Special Intensive Review (SIR) hearing, then strict action will be taken against the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) and his colleagues.

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This decision has come at a time when earlier also questions have been raised about the compulsion of elderly and sick voters to stand in long queues. The pain and suffering of these voters has been repeatedly highlighted in media reports, after which the Election Commission has indicated to fix responsibility at the grassroots level.

Instructions were issued on 29 December

On December 29, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal had issued written instructions to all District Election Officers (DEO) and District Magistrates (DM). It was said that voters aged 85 years and above, sick persons and voters with disabilities should not be called personally for the hearing related to SIR unless they make a special request. It was also made clear in the instructions that if notices have already been issued to such voters, then the concerned officer should inform them over phone that they are not required to appear and the verification should be done by visiting their residence.

Complaints surfaced despite instructions

Despite these instructions, the CEO office received many complaints from different parts of the state. Reports said that the elderly, sick persons, disabled people and even pregnant women were called personally for hearings related to SIR. Taking these incidents seriously, the Election Commission has considered it a direct violation of the instructions and has started the process of fixing accountability.

The blame will fall on BLO

Expressing displeasure over the issue, a senior Election Commission official said, “We had told the DEO that if even a single incident occurs in violation of the instructions, action will be taken against the BLO. What are the BLO’s colleagues doing? Why does anyone suffering from a broken leg or a serious illness go to the hearing sites? The BLOs will go door-to-door and keep records of such voters. The hearing of these voters will be held in their homes in the last week of the hearing process.”

Hearing will be held door to door

According to the new instructions, SIR hearing of voters above 85 years of age, seriously ill or disabled voters will now be conducted at their homes. For this, BLO has been entrusted with the responsibility of going door-to-door, preparing records and ensuring verification. The Election Commission believes that this will not only provide relief to elderly and helpless voters, but will also maintain the credibility and sensitivity of the election process.