A salute to our BLOs - the unsung heroes of democracy

Verifying and revising electoral rolls from door-to-door enumeration, pre-filled forms and verification of old voter data, is an exercise-SIR (Special Intensive Revision), which is undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The first intensive revision was carried out in 1952 and the last was done from 2002 to 2004. Its main job is to ensure the electoral rolls across India are accurate. This is a necessity to conduct free and fair elections, a must in a democratic country.

The SIR urgently needed revision due to rapid urbanization, high levels of migration, the addition of new eligible voters, unreported deaths and to remove the names of foreign illegal migrants in the border areas and those who migrated to different states. This is a significant step in the voter list revision process aimed at ensuring updated and accurate electoral rolls across the country. The crucial democratic exercise ensures, “No eligible citizen is left behind”, which underscores the evolving commitment to inclusion and electoral integrity.

The ECI has requested all political parties to appoint Block Level Agents (BLAs) for each polling booth so that SIR is conducted with complete transparency.

The first phase was conducted as an initial roll out in select states with Bihar being the primary example. The exercise was conducted between June and September 2025. The second phase of SIR that began on October 27, 2025, covered nine states and three Union Territories, including the vast Uttar Pradesh and controversial West Bengal that shares a border with Bangladesh. The third phase that began in May this year covered 16 states and 3 Union Territories, including the two Telugu states. Being a resident of Hyderabad, I had first-hand experience of what SIR was all about.

I couldn’t stop admiring the efforts put in by the BLOs (Booth Level Officers). Braving adverse weather conditions like scorching heat and heavy rain, they walked lane to lane, house to house, including in bastis, colonies and posh areas—distributing forms and helping the young and old, rich and poor. At some places they had to bear the brunt of rough treatment of citizens, who were ‘deprived’ of their afternoon nap. The BLOs, carrying heavy bundles of paper, maintained their cool and explained patiently, filled forms and verified all details. They were even ready to revisit.

When I look back, I can state that they are the real foot soldiers of our democracy. Without them, there is no voter list, there is no election, there is no democracy. I feel that no political party and no citizen should have any problem with them. Instead, we should support them. If a BLO is at the door every citizen should come forward to offer them the cool comfort of your home with a glass of water. Give the required details correctly and cooperate with them in this election process. Because the work they are doing today is for our future—to make sure every eligible Indian has a vote, genuine one at that.

A particular date and time were given for collection of forms. On the day of collection, if some columns were not filled properly, they patiently helped people by clarifying their doubts. No kind of annoyance was shown despite the number of questions asked. Within 20 days of the forms submission letters by hand reached the citizens wherever there was any discrepancy; such a systematic follow up is highly commendable.

The election authorities organized special campaigns for filing claims and objections as part of the SIR of electoral rolls. These special campaigns were organized at each polling station level. Electors were given a particular date and time to visit the designated locations. Notices were issued to electors whose names were under the “No mapping and “Anomalies” categories. If a voter received such a mismatch with the previous electoral rolls, the individual could rectify the discrepancy by approaching the area BLO and submitting the required proof.

I was one of those who had a name mismatch due to my relocation to Hyderabad. At the center, I saw the BLOs checking documents patiently and explaining to the electors to submit any two proofs listed by the ECI. They appeared tired, thirsty and hungry, but managed the crowd very patiently. While waiting I was shocked to see some people passing rude remarks at the BLOs just for asking them to carefully submit the required documents so that their names are not deleted from the rolls.

My issue was resolved within 10 minutes after my documents were verified. It is a simple job, but people get ‘fun’ in complicating the issue for themselves and for others.

SIR, some felt it was a gimmick. It is not. It needs better citizen connect. In a country as vast and dynamic as India, every updated name on the voter roll is not just statistics, it’s a voice strengthened in the world’s largest democracy. Every registration counts toward a stronger, more representative India.

India’s growth comes with democracy.

We have our own identity;

We don’t want to be a footnote;

We don’t need anybody’s validation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Hyma Moorty

[email protected]