Block Level Officers Protest Over Duty Status and Security During Voter Roll Revision Training in West Bengal

Kolkata:

Block Level Officers (BLOs) training sessions for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls faced significant disruptions across Kolkata and other districts on Saturday. Government employees participating as BLOs raised multiple concerns, primarily demanding official duty status and central security protection during their assignment.

At Kolkata's Nazrul Mancha auditorium, protests broke out where BLOs from five assembly constituencies were undergoing Election Commission training. Many teachers assigned as BLOs complained that school authorities had marked them "absent" during their training period, and demanded proper "on duty" designation for training days.

The protesting teachers also requested central security coverage during training sessions, with many stating they would not continue their electoral duties without adequate protection. Female teachers specifically refused to work after evening hours unless central security was provided.

Police intervention was necessary to restore order at the protest site.

Reports indicated similar protests emerged at the Sub-Divisional Officer's office in Durgapur. With the SIR process scheduled to commence on November 4, a substantial number of BLOs expressed concerns about working beyond their regular duty hours.

Election Commission sources indicated that providing central security forces cannot be accommodated since law and order remains under state jurisdiction.

The situation has become politically charged, with BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of attempting to obstruct the SIR process by intimidating BLOs.

"BLO training is proceeding in all districts. We expect BLOs to perform their duties without fear. The Election Commission has clearly stated that providing protection to BLOs falls under state government responsibility. If Mamata Banerjee believes she can halt the SIR process through intimidation, she is mistaken," Paul stated.

Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh countered that the state government had not been informed about teachers being assigned BLO responsibilities.

"BLOs are primarily teachers. The SIR process will create difficulties for them, requiring work beyond normal hours. The state education department was not notified that teachers were being utilized for BLO assignments," Ghosh explained.

The West Bengal Trinamool government has opposed the Special Intensive Revision exercise, characterizing it as an Election Commission initiative influenced by the BJP.