BLO. The task of keeping the voter list updated and ensuring smooth electoral processes is carried out on a large scale in the country. The most important part of this process is the Booth Level Officer (BLO). The BLO directly handles all tasks related to the voter list, such as adding new names, removing deceased or duplicate names, and making necessary corrections. Consequently, people often wonder how a BLO is appointed, and can a common person can become one. Let’s understand this in simple terms.
The BLO plays a crucial role in maintaining the voter list, making it crucial for you to know about the BLO. India is a democratic country, making elections a crucial process.
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Who appoints the BLO?
The BLO is appointed under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. They are appointed by the ERO (Electoral Registration Officer), who works under the District Election Officer (DEO) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state. The purpose of this process is to ensure that the voter list is maintained properly by responsible and qualified officials.
According to Election Commission rules, a BLO can only be a government or semi-government employee. Furthermore, the person must be a resident or voter of the same polling station area, so that local people and their documents can be easily identified.
Can an ordinary person become a BLO?
The simple answer to this question is no. BLO is not a job for which private individuals can apply. It is an additional electoral responsibility, given only to government employees. Therefore, the prerequisite for becoming a BLO is that you must be employed in a government department.
Which government employees are appointed BLOs?
The Election Commission appoints employees from various departments to serve as BLOs. These include—
- Government school teachers
- Anganwadi workers
- Patwari/Lekhpal/Amin
- Gram Sevak/Panchayat Secretary
- Postman
- Health workers (ANM, MPW)
- Electricity department bill readers
- Municipal Corporation employees
This is done so that the BLO can understand the work, understand the situation in the area, and complete election work on time.
Who cannot become a BLO?
Some people cannot become a BLO under any circumstances, such as—
- Private sector employees
- Students or unemployed individuals
- Shopkeepers or those involved in any business
- Persons associated with a political party
- Uniformed police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel
Such people are not given the responsibility of BLO because the Election Commission requires complete impartiality and adherence to government regulations.
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Requirements to Become a BLO
You can be appointed as a BLO only if you are a government employee and your department receives instructions from the Election Commission to assign you the duty. The key requirements are as follows:
- You must be a resident
- You must be politically neutral
- You must be available for tasks assigned by the Commission from time to time
If your department assigns you the duty of a BLO, this responsibility is given to you by your superiors.