Wed Dec 17 05:30:29 UTC 2025: News Article Summary:

India’s Electoral Roll Revision Linked to Deaths of Election Officials

At least 33 election officials in India have died since the launch of a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls last month. The initiative, aimed at updating voter lists, has faced criticism for placing immense pressure on booth-level officers (BLOs), who are primarily government teachers and junior officials.

Reports indicate that at least nine deaths were suicides, with victims citing unbearable workload and pressure in their suicide notes. Other deaths have been attributed to cardiac arrest and stroke, with families claiming they were a direct result of the relentless work demands.

BLOs report working long hours, often with minimal sleep, struggling with server issues, and facing threats of penalties for failing to meet targets. They also claim to have received inadequate training for the complex task. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has defended the revision, calling the deaths unfortunate and asserting that the workload is “not overburdening at all.” However, critics, including opposition parties and victims’ families, are calling for investigations and support for the affected families, citing the initiative a threat to democracy. The ECI recently doubled the compensation for BLOs to 1,000 rupees ($11) in addition to their salaries, and announced an incentive of 6,000 rupees ($66) upon the completion of an election cycle.

Rewritten as a News Article:

Indian Election Roll Revision Sparks Outrage as Deaths Mount

Lucknow, India – A controversial revision of India’s electoral rolls has been linked to the deaths of at least 33 election officials since its launch last month, sparking outrage and accusations of negligence. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR), an initiative by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to update voter lists across the country, has been met with widespread criticism over the immense pressure placed on booth-level officers (BLOs).

The Spect Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank, reported that at least nine BLOs have died by suicide, leaving behind accounts of overwhelming workload and threats from superiors. Other deaths have been attributed to health complications allegedly triggered by the relentless demands of the SIR.

BLOs, often government teachers or junior officials, are responsible for door-to-door enumeration, identifying eligible voters, and updating records on a digital portal. They report working grueling hours with little sleep, struggling with faulty technology, and facing threats of penalties for failing to meet unrealistic targets.

“Quickly complete 200 forms. If it’s less than that, you will be charged,” said Harshit, recalling one of the messages sent to his father.

“I failed in this election,” said Sarvesh Singh, a 46-year-old BLO in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad district, in his suicide note, adding that he was losing his mental stability due to a lack of sleep and excessive pressure.

The ECI has defended the revision, calling the deaths “unfortunate” and denying that the workload is excessive. However, opposition parties and families of the deceased are demanding investigations, accusing the ECI of jeopardizing lives and potentially undermining the democratic process.

The commission recently doubled the compensation for BLOs to 1,000 rupees ($11) in addition to their salaries, and announced an incentive of 6,000 rupees ($66) upon the completion of an election cycle.

Petitions have been filed in several courts challenging the SIR, and affected families are seeking compensation and support.

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