Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Six BLOs Die During Voter Revision
Six workers in Madhya Pradesh, who help with voter lists, have died in just 10 days.
These workers, called BLOs, were doing a big job to update voter information for elections.
The job is very stressful because they have to work long hours and meet tight deadlines.
Some workers have health problems, but they still have to work hard.
Families of the workers say the stress and long hours caused their deaths.
A workers' union has asked the government to give money to the families and provide free medical treatment for sick workers.
Officials say some deaths were due to other reasons, but many people believe the work conditions are too harsh.
Six BLOs have died in Madhya Pradesh within 10 days during the SIR exercise.
The SIR exercise requires digitising voter forms for 5.74 crore electors.
Only 37% of the SIR forms have been uploaded, leaving 63% pending with 10 days left.
Families allege intense work pressure and long hours caused the deaths, while officials attribute some deaths to other causes.
The Madhya Pradesh Third Class Employees Union has demanded Rs 15 lakh compensation for the families and free medical treatment for ill BLOs.
- Who
- Six Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Madhya Pradesh
- What
- Died during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise
- When
- Within 10 days, starting from November 4
- Where
- Various districts in Madhya Pradesh, including Shahdol, Narmadapuram, Mandideep, Jhabua, Damoh, and Balaghat
- Why
- Allegedly due to intense work pressure, long hours, and stress from SIR duty
Families and Union
Government Officials
Cause of Death
Families and Union
Alleging intense work pressure, long hours, and stress from SIR duty as the cause of deaths and illnesses.
Government Officials
Officials attributed some deaths to other causes like infection from an insect bite.
Work Conditions
Families and Union
Claiming that BLOs are forced to work long hours despite serious health conditions and face threats of suspension.
Government Officials
Officials have not publicly disputed the work conditions but have not acknowledged the extent of pressure alleged by families.
- Total Deaths
- 6 BLOs in 10 days
- SIR Exercise Duration
- Month-long, started November 4
- Total BLOs Deployed
- 65,014
- SIR Forms Uploaded
- 37%
- Union Demand
- Rs 15 lakh compensation for families and free medical treatment for ill BLOs
- Union Letter Recipient
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in New Delhi
- Union General Secretary
- Umashankar Tiwari
- BLOs Hospitalised
- Several with heart attacks, brain haemorrhages, and critical health complications
Sources
MP News: 54-Year-Old BLO Dies Of Heart Attack In Shahdol; Family Claims Heavy Work Stress Amid SIR
'Under Pressure Due to S.I.R': A Look at Suicides of BLOs Across 6 States
6 Madhya Pradesh Poll Officers Die During Voter Revision Exercise In 10 Days
BLO dies in Gonda after consuming poison; SIR supervisor commits suicide for not getting leave for marriage
Bengal BLO deaths raise questions over SIR workload, app failures and the hurried process
Gujarat CM asks chief secretary to check if non-teaching staff can work as BLOs for SIR drive
