
By KUNAL CHATTERJEE
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) assigned to voter list revision duties in Beleghata fell ill on Sunday morning, adding to growing concerns among BLOs over excessive workload during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal.
According to sources, the BLO, posted at Part 205 of Ward No. 34 in Kolkata, was speaking with his supervisor when he suddenly fell ill. He was immediately admitted to a Beleghata hospital, where his condition remains under observation. Hospital authorities have not yet released an official statement.
Colleagues claim that mounting work pressure is to blame. The SIR exercise, which began earlier this month, has required BLOs, mostly school teachers to distribute and collect enumeration forms door to door in addition to their regular teaching duties. Many have reported exhaustion and stress, saying the dual responsibilities are taking a toll on their health.
BLOs in Beleghata alleged that their colleague collapsed under similar pressure while worrying about completing the assigned work on time, though supervisors reportedly did not reprimand him. Some BLOs also expressed concern that their mobile numbers were made public for SIR coordination, raising fears of possible misuse or harassment later.
This is the latest in a string of health-related incidents among BLOs. Last week, a female BLO in Kalna, Rinku Majumdar, fell ill during training, while another BLO, Namita Hansda from Memari in East Burdwan, died earlier this month after reportedly suffering a stroke during field-work.
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