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EC Tightens Grip on Booth Officers: Suspension, FIR for Lapses

The Election Commission of India has issued a strict disciplinary framework for Booth Level Officers to ensure the accuracy and credibility of electoral rolls. It mandates that District Election Officers must suspend erring BLOs and recommend departmental proceedings for negligence or misconduct. In cases of criminal misconduct, an FIR must be registered promptly with the Chief Electoral Officer's approval. All disciplinary actions require the CEO's prior concurrence and must be formally reported to the Election Commission.

Key Points: EC's Strict Disciplinary Rules for Booth Level Officers

  • Strict disciplinary framework for BLOs
  • Suspension for dereliction of duty
  • FIR for criminal misconduct
  • CEO oversight on all proceedings
3 min read

EC underlines disciplinary framework for Booth Level Officers

Election Commission mandates suspension, FIR, and disciplinary action against Booth Level Officers for negligence or misconduct in electoral roll management.

"The DEO shall place the BLO under suspension and make a recommendation... for initiating departmental proceedings - Election Commission Secretary"

New Delhi, January 23

The Election Commission of India has issued detailed instructions outlining a strict disciplinary framework for Booth Level Officers in cases of dereliction of duty, misconduct, or violation of electoral laws, reaffirming their accountability in maintaining the accuracy and credibility of electoral rolls.

Election Commission Secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra, in a statement, stated that according to instructions No. 23/BLO/2022-ERS dated October 4, 2022, Booth Level Officers are appointed by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, with the approval of the District Election Officer (DEO). The Commission has clarified that BLOs are deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission of India under Section 13CC of the RP Act, 1950.

The Commission said it has considered the cases involving dereliction of duty, negligence, misconduct, willful non-compliance with the Commission's instructions, violation of the provisions of the RP Act, 1950 or the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. or any act or omission adversely affecting the accuracy, integrity or credibility of the electoral roll by a BLO while discharging official duties.

In such cases, the Commission has decided that a clearly defined procedure must be followed for initiating disciplinary action against erring BLOs.

"The DEO shall place the BLO under suspension and make a recommendation to the concerned disciplinary authority for initiating departmental proceedings for insubordination or dereliction of duty," the Election Commission Secretary stated.

He directed that such recommendations must be acted upon promptly and that the disciplinary authority should communicate the action taken within a period of six months.

"In case of criminal misconduct, the DEO may promptly get an FIR registered against the erring BLO with the approval of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) as required under Section 32 of the RP Act. 1950," EC Secretary stated.

The EC Secretary further stated, "the CEO of State/UT concerned. shall also be competent to decide and take action, either suo motu or on the basis of a report received from the DEO/ERO, against a BLO. like suspension followed by disciplinary proceedings. lodging of FIR etc.|

"The action so decided by the CEO shall be got executed through the concerned DEO. DEO shall take immediate necessary action by following the procedure laid down in the preceding paragraph," EC Secretary stated.

Commission has also stipulated that the conclusion of disciplinary proceedings in such cases shall not be effected without the prior concurrence of the CEO. Additionally, all actions taken in the matter must be formally intimated to the Election Commission of India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The framework seems comprehensive, but the six-month timeline for disciplinary action communication is crucial. Hope it's enforced strictly. Delayed justice is justice denied, especially before elections.
P
Priyanka N
Good move, but what about the political pressure these BLOs often face? The instructions should also have a mechanism to protect honest officers who are just doing their duty. Accountability is a two-way street.
A
Aman W
Finally! I've seen BLOs in my area who are never available for corrections. My mother's name was misspelt and it took 3 visits to the office to get it fixed. Hope this brings some seriousness to the role.
M
Michael C
The clarity on suspension and FIR for criminal misconduct is important. It sends a strong message that tampering with electoral rolls won't be tolerated. The integrity of the voter list is non-negotiable for a healthy democracy.
K
Kavya N
While discipline is needed, we must also ensure BLOs are given proper training and resources. Many work in difficult conditions. The framework should be fair and not just punitive. Jai Hind!

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