Election Commission Cracks Down On Bengal BLOs Over SIR Form Distribution Lapses

Last Updated:November 09, 2025, 05:47 IST

Sources told News18 that BLOs will first receive verbal warnings over the phone to adhere to the protocol. If they keep violating the norms, formal show-cause notices will follow

Sources within the commission said that disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against officers who persist in flouting the rules. (File pic: PTI)

The Election Commission (EC) has instructed District Election Officers (DEOs) in West Bengal to take strict action against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who fail to follow the prescribed procedure for distributing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) forms.

According to sources, the EC has issued special directives to all districts, directing that show-cause notices be served to BLOs found distributing forms from random or public locations instead of conducting door-to-door visits, as required under election rules.

Sources told News18 that BLOs will first receive verbal warnings over the phone to adhere to the protocol. If they continue to violate the norms, formal show-cause notices will follow.

The directive further instructs Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to issue show-cause notices to any BLOs who disregard these instructions. Despite repeated reminders, several BLOs have reportedly been handing out SIR forms from public spots or local shops, rather than visiting individual households as mandated.

Sources within the commission said that disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against officers who persist in flouting the rules. The EC has also conveyed these instructions to district administrations across the state to ensure strict compliance.

Opposition parties in Bengal, including the BJP, have raised multiple complaints regarding the conduct of BLOs, alleging that some are asking voters to collect forms themselves instead of distributing them at their doorsteps.

Sources clarified that this practice defeats the very purpose of the SIR process, prompting the commission to take a firm stance. A few BLOs have already been served with show-cause notices, officials confirmed.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...

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