West Bengal Cabinet Approves Compensation for Voter Roll Revision Casualties
The West Bengal state government has announced a significant compensation measure for families affected by the recent Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. In a cabinet meeting held on Thursday, it was decided that home guard jobs will be provided to the next of kin of 56 individuals who lost their lives and five others who were incapacitated during this extensive electoral exercise.
Focus on Booth-Level Officers and Their Families
This initiative specifically includes the families of 18 booth-level officers (BLOs) who died while performing their duties. The state secretariat had compiled reports indicating that these casualties occurred due to what the government described as a "fear psychosis" surrounding the rigorous SIR process. The psychological and physical strain of the revision work is believed to have contributed to these tragic outcomes.
Long-Standing Advocacy and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The state administration has long advocated for supporting the families of deceased BLOs, recognizing their crucial role in the electoral machinery. However, previous requests for such compensation were repeatedly rejected by the Bengal chief electoral officer. The rejections were based on the absence of official reports from district magistrates that could confirm the deaths were directly attributable to the SIR workload.
This bureaucratic impasse had left many families without support, but the recent cabinet decision marks a pivotal shift in policy. By approving these home guard positions, the government aims to provide financial stability and recognition to those affected by the demanding voter roll revision process.
Broader Implications and Government Response
The move underscores the state's commitment to addressing the human cost associated with large-scale administrative exercises. It also highlights the challenges faced by ground-level workers in executing intensive electoral tasks. The provision of jobs is seen as a tangible step towards alleviating the hardships endured by the bereaved and injured individuals' families.
This decision is expected to set a precedent for how similar situations might be handled in the future, emphasizing the need for robust support systems for public servants involved in critical national duties.
