3 Things FIRs against BLOs, crackdowns in Gujarat, and Dharmendra passes away at 89
Nov 25, 2025
In this discussion, journalist Saman Hussain sheds light on the significant pressures faced by Booth Level Officers amid the Special Intensive Revision, highlighting the troubling FIRs filed against 60 BLOs in Noida. Brendan Dabhi details Gujarat's extensive verification drive, where the police are scrutinizing individuals linked to anti-national activities over the past 30 years. Lastly, the team pays tribute to Bollywood icon Dharmendra, celebrating his remarkable six-decade career and lasting contributions to Indian cinema.
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BLO Duties Have Grown Highly Technical
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) expanded BLO duties from simple verification to technical, time-consuming matching with 2003 rolls.
- Saman Hussain reports this increased workload created severe time, manpower and technical pressures on BLOs.
On-the-Ground With BLOs
- Saman Hussain spent a day with BLOs in villages and upscale Noida societies to observe their work firsthand.
- BLOs described walking door-to-door, juggling school duties, and working late nights with rooms overflowing with forms.
Training Gaps Hamper Execution
- BLOs are largely pulled from teaching and welfare jobs with only brief orientations, not full technical training.
- Many struggle with the BLO app and ECI portal, hampering timely digitisation, Saman Hussain says.