In a major move to boost efficiency at the grassroots level during Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a significant increase in annual pay for Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Their remuneration has been doubled from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000, acknowledging the crucial role they play in maintaining accurate voter data.
Strengthening the Backbone of the Electoral System
BLOs act as the ground-level workforce in the electoral machinery. Usually selected from among teachers and government staff, they are tasked with updating voter lists by verifying names, conducting door-to-door surveys, and ensuring every eligible voter is properly registered.
The new pay structure, which comes after nearly a decade of no revisions, is designed to motivate these workers during the large-scale voter roll correction exercise currently taking place in Bihar.
Revised Compensation Structure at a Glance
The ECI’s revised pay model includes not just BLOs, but also supervisors and electoral registration officers involved in the process. Here are the updated figures:
- BLO Annual Pay: ₹12,000 (earlier ₹6,000)
- Revision Work Incentive: ₹2,000 (earlier ₹1,000)
- BLO Supervisor Pay: ₹18,000 (earlier ₹12,000)
- Honorarium for EROs: ₹30,000 (first time)
- Honorarium for AEROs: ₹25,000 (first time)
- Special Incentive for BLOs in Bihar’s SIR: ₹6,000
This revision is part of a broader reform package aimed at improving morale and ensuring fair compensation for critical election duties.
Why the Bihar SIR Demands Extra Attention
The special revision campaign in Bihar is particularly significant due to its size and complexity. The ECI is reviewing electoral details for over 7.9 crore voters, with 91% of them covered in the ongoing revision.
However, the exercise has faced criticism over the removal of nearly 35 lakh names, many marked as “untraceable.” Civil society groups and political opponents claim that poor and migrant voters are being unfairly targeted, especially with the requirement of documents other than Aadhaar or voter ID.
Despite the backlash, the ECI maintains that every deletion will follow due process and that transparency remains a top priority.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues Faced by BLOs
For years, BLOs have raised concerns over outdated remuneration, rising workloads, and inadequate support. Many have faced political pressure or misinformation campaigns during the voter list updates, further complicating their work.
This increase in pay not only acknowledges their growing responsibilities but also seeks to retain their commitment amidst a politically sensitive environment.
Political Reactions and Public Scrutiny
While the pay hike itself received limited direct criticism, the broader voter list update has stirred political controversy. RJD MP Manoj Jha accused the EC of conducting a “special intensive deletion” rather than a fair revision. He criticized the methodology, suggesting that it undermines democratic participation.
Nonetheless, the EC continues to emphasize that the integrity of the voter roll is foundational to fair elections and that the revision is being conducted with fairness and accountability.
Setting a Precedent for Future Revisions
By increasing BLO compensation, the ECI has set a new benchmark that may influence similar roll revision exercises in other states. It recognizes the indispensable role of field officers in the democratic process and may help reduce staff burnout and improve performance.
The additional ₹6,000 incentive for those working in Bihar further underscores the intensity of the effort and the Commission’s willingness to support those on the ground.
Conclusion: A Timely and Necessary Boost
As Bihar prepares for its upcoming assembly elections, the revision of voter rolls is a critical component in ensuring a fair and inclusive process. The ECI’s move to increase pay and incentives for BLOs is a much-needed reform that reflects the value of their work. It also sends a strong message that electoral staff deserve recognition, respect, and proper compensation for their contribution to democracy.
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