SIR Update: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday issued a notification, laying down the disciplinary action procedure against BLOs indulging in wilful acts compromising the integrity of the voters' list. The ECI is now set to take action against errant officials.
What Is The ECI’s Guideline On Misconduct Of BLOs
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued fresh instructions to Chief Electoral Officers across states, informing that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will face strict disciplinary action for negligence, misconduct, deliberate disobedience of orders, or any act that undermines the integrity of the voters' list.
As per the new Guideline
-District Election Officers (DEOs) now have the power to suspend a BLO found guilty and recommend a departmental inquiry against them.
-The concerned department must complete the inquiry and take final action within six months, and inform the authorities about the outcome.
DEOs can register an FIR against BLOs in cases involving criminal elements, but with prior approval from the Chief Electoral Officer of the state or Union Territory.
Besides, the Chief Electoral Officer of the state or UT can directly initiate action against a BLO based on the DEO’s report and must report the action, process, and outcome back to the Election Commission of India.
Who Are BLOs
BLOs are booth level officer who are appointed to maintain and update booth level voter list. A booth contains around 970 voters or 300 homes.
How Are BLOs Appointed
As per the Commission, BLOs are appointed by the electoral registration officer under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The Act deals with the appointment of electoral officers for preparing and revising electoral rolls.
Under Section 13CC, BLOs are deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission, which places officers under the control of the ECI for election-related work.