1 month ago
Punjab BLOs Navigate Floods to Update Electoral Rolls
In Punjab, some Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have to row boats to reach remote villages along the India-Pakistan border to update electoral rolls.
These villages, like Bharyal and Kaluwala, are often cut off by flooded rivers during the monsoon season.
Despite the challenges, BLOs like Vikram Singh and Darshan Singh are dedicated to their work, ensuring that even the most isolated voters are included.
The villages, despite their isolation, have shown a strong commitment to the electoral process with high voter turnout.
BLOs in Punjab's border areas navigate flooded rivers to update electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Villages like Bharyal and Kaluwala are often cut off by floods, making access difficult.
BLOs use boats and sometimes rely on the Army for transportation during floods.
Despite challenges, BLOs have shown dedication and professionalism in their work.
Remote villages have consistently recorded high voter turnout, demonstrating commitment to the electoral process.
- Who
- Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Punjab's border areas.
- What
- Navigating flooded rivers to update electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
- Where
- In remote villages along the India-Pakistan border, such as Bharyal and Kaluwala.
- When
- During the monsoon season.
- Why
- To ensure all voters, including those in isolated areas, are included in the electoral rolls.
Challenges of Remote Voting
Commitment to Electoral Process
Accessibility Issues
Challenges of Remote Voting
BLOs face significant challenges due to flooded rivers and poor infrastructure, making it difficult to reach remote villages.
Commitment to Electoral Process
Despite the hardships, BLOs demonstrate dedication by using boats and other means to ensure all voters are included.
Voter Turnout
Challenges of Remote Voting
Floods and isolation make it difficult for voters to participate in the electoral process.
Commitment to Electoral Process
Villages like Kaluwala have consistently recorded high voter turnout, showing commitment to the electoral process.
Key facts
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- A process to update electoral rolls.
- Bharyal Village
- A village in Gurdaspur district with 369 voters, often flooded and isolated.
- Kaluwala Village
- A village in Ferozepur district with around 200 voters, accessible mainly by boat.
- Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
- Officers responsible for revising electoral rolls.
- Pontoon Bridge
- A temporary bridge used to connect remote villages to the mainland.
Quotes
Anindita Mitra
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer
“The BLOs have shown tremendous professionalism in carrying out the SIR in Punjab”
indianexpress.com
“I have identified 60 percent of the voters. It was not an easy task”
indianexpress.com







