SIR-related pressure sparks outrage following BLO's suicide
KANNUR: The allegation is strong that Ettukudukka Booth Level Officer Aneesh George (44) of the Payyannur constituency committed suicide as he could not bear the pressure to complete the SIR form distribution quickly. Relatives and friends say that Aneesh, a native of Ettukudukka and a peon at Kunnaru AUP School, had informed senior officials that he could not bear the workload. Aneesh was found hanging in his bedroom when the family returned from church around 11 a.m.
There had been strict instructions to complete 100% distribution yesterday. Staff members say the tahsildar and collectorate officials were calling every few hours to check progress and pressure them. Political parties on both the left and the right, as well as employees’ unions, have alleged that the Election Commission is responsible. They have demanded that the SIR process be postponed.
The additional burden of local body election duties had also increased stress on BLOs. The Chief Electoral Officer has sought a report from the district collector. Aneesh’s father, George, openly stated that SIR-related pressure caused his son’s death. Friends said Aneesh could not manage to reach every house and had been unable to sleep for days.
Payyannur police have registered a case of unnatural death and begun an investigation, including whether election duty pressure was a factor. The body has been shifted to the hospital. Aneesh is survived by his mother Mary, wife Famila and children Livia and Juan.
Multiple rounds of distribution, repeated house visits Each booth has 1,000–1,200 voters. Initially, only 500 forms were issued. The remaining forms were given in two more stages. BLOs had to visit many houses more than once, which consumed time. In urban areas, many voters had shifted residence. In hilly regions, BLOs had to walk long distances, often finding no one at home.
Statewide, BLOs will boycott work today. Under the leadership of the Action Council of State Government Employees and Teachers, the Teacher Service Organisation Joint Committee, and the NGO Association, they will take out protest marches to the Chief Electoral Office and district collectorates.
35,000 BLOs in the state 1,000–1,200 voters per booth
Duties of BLOs
- Direct distribution of forms
- Collecting filled-in forms
- Cross-checking with the 2002 voter list
- Entering data online through the mobile application
For 31 days, BLOs are not assigned any other duties. Senior officials, including district collectors, occasionally visit the field to support them. A report has been sought from the collector regarding the incident. — Rathan U. Khelkar, Chief Electoral Officer