Bengal BLOs Face Heat for Distributing SIR Forms in Public; Election Commission Issues Warning.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has received multiple complaints from political parties in West Bengal alleging that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been distributing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms in public places — a violation of the poll body’s guidelines.
According to reports, BLOs were seen handing out forms at tea stalls, local clubs, street corners, schools, and markets, instead of visiting voters’ homes as required. The unusual scenes of people queuing up at public spots to collect forms have left the state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) red-faced.
ECI Issues Stern Warning
Following the complaints, the ECI has issued a strict warning to senior poll officials and district authorities, urging them to enforce adherence to electoral procedures.
BLOs have been reminded that enumeration forms must be distributed only through door-to-door visits, allowing officers to verify voter details in person. “This task must not be carried out at any public location,” the directive stated.
District Magistrates (DMs) have also been instructed to maintain extra vigilance, with the poll body cautioning that disciplinary action will follow any negligence.
‘Follow the Bihar Model’
To streamline the SIR process, the ECI has asked Bengal’s officials to adopt the “Bihar model” — where BLOs personally deliver forms to voters’ homes, explain how to fill them, and assist with clarifications.
The Commission has also directed that district-level control rooms be established to monitor BLO activity, with one supervisor appointed for every 10 booths to ensure accountability.
Reiterating its warning, the Election Commission said these reminders were intended to avoid punitive measures against field officers, emphasizing that voter data collection must be carried out with transparency, accuracy, and professionalism.
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