Booth Level Officer (BLO)

• Recently, several deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been reported in states undergoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

• This has raised concerns about BLO welfare and working conditions during electoral processes.

About Booth Level Officer

• A BLO is a grassroot-level representative of the Election Commission of India (ECI) who helps in updating and maintaining electoral rolls using local knowledge.

• BLOs are usually local government or semi-government officials familiar with electors in their polling area.

• Typical BLO appointments include:

  • Teachers

  • Anganwadi workers

  • Panchayat Secretaries

  • Village Level Workers

  • Electricity Bill Readers, etc.

• Not full-time electoral officials.

• Legal Provision: Section 13B(2) of the Representation of People Act, 1950 enabled the appointment of BLOs, first implemented in August 2006.

Roles and Responsibilities of BLOs

1. Electoral Roll Maintenance

   • Update, revise, and maintain accuracy of electoral rolls at the polling booth level.

   • Collect field information regarding electors.

2. Distribution of Voter Slips

   • Ensure voters receive their voter slips before poll day.

3. Facilitating Postal Ballot

   • Inform senior citizens (85+) and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) about home voting and postal ballot facility (Form 12D).

4. Promoting ECI IT Applications

   • Encourage voters to use apps like:

     • Voter Helpline App

     • eVIGIL app

     • Know Your Candidate app

     • Saksham-ECI app

   • Aim to ensure accurate electoral rolls and smooth voting process.