Teacher's Death: Voter List Stress Ignites Uproar

A 46-year-old teacher and Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, was discovered deceased at his residence. A poignant video message surfaced, in which the teacher, Sarvesh Kumar, expressed deep remorse for his inability to complete the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. He apologized to his family and urged them to care for his four daughters, lamenting the overwhelming pressure of his duties.

Kumar, who was recently assigned BLO responsibilities for the first time, cited extreme work stress as the cause of his distress. His wife discovered him deceased, with a note indicating he could not cope with the demands of his election-related tasks. The incident underscores the broader issues faced by BLOs across the country, who are reportedly working excessively long hours under considerable strain.

This tragic event occurs amidst nationwide discussions concerning the working conditions of BLOs during the Special Intensive Revision process. Families of several deceased BLOs have attributed their deaths to work-related stress. BLOs themselves report demanding 14-15 hour workdays, inadequate compensation, and the constant fear of disciplinary action for missed deadlines, amplifying concerns about the well-being of election officials.