EC issues strict guidelines defining BLO duties ahead of first-phase polls

Kolkata: The office of the Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has issued a detailed set of fresh guidelines, clearly defining the duties and responsibilities of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from the pre-poll period till polling day. The move comes as part of the Election Commission’s efforts to strengthen booth-level preparedness before the first-phase polls on April 23.

Referring to several earlier instructions, the Commission has made it clear that no negligence in the discharge of BLO duties will be tolerated.

The strongest emphasis has been laid on the distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS). As per the directive, every BLO must personally visit households and hand over the slips directly to the voter or to an adult member of the family. The process must continue at least five days before polling. Bulk distribution or leaving slips in a bunch has been strictly prohibited.

The Commission has made it clear that it is mandatory and that any proven complaint of bias in the distribution of such slips will invite strict disciplinary action.

The importance of BLO slips in helping voters locate their booths has also been reiterated in recent election advisories.

BLOs and Sector Officers have also been entrusted with an active role in ensuring booth infrastructure readiness. This includes supervising webcasting arrangements, checking camera positioning, and ensuring proper lighting and ventilation inside

polling stations.

Special caution has been issued regarding lighting inside the voting compartment, with officials asked to ensure that excessive light does not fall directly on the voting area, as it may interfere with the functioning of the VVPAT machine. At the same time, sufficient illumination must be maintained without compromising the secrecy of voting.

For voter convenience on polling day, every booth will have a Voter Assistance Booth, where BLOs and designated staff will help electors locate their names using alphabetically arranged electoral rolls.

However, the Commission has clearly stated that no Voter Information Slip can be distributed on the day of polling.

The guidelines further specify that BLOs on polling day will be stationed at the entrance of the booth to assist in voter identification.

Where required, male BLOs may be paired with female staff, and vice versa, depending on local needs.

The directive carries a clear warning that all instructions must be followed “in letter and spirit”. Any lapse detected at any level will attract strict legal and departmental action.