Citizen group seeks six-month extension of SIR, cites burden on BLOs
Citizen group requests a six-month extension for SIR, citing excessive pressure on Booth Level Officers during the process.
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Published - July 12, 2026 06:45 pm IST - Bengaluru
The committee claimed it had been receiving reports from across Karnataka highlighting the problems faced by BLOs as the enumeration phase is progressing. | Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
The Citizens’ Vote Vigilance Committee, formed to help voters and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and monitor the developments, has requested the Election Commission of India to extend the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by at least six months, arguing that the process has placed BLOs under severe pressure due to inadequate planning and training.
The committee claimed it had been receiving reports from across Karnataka highlighting the problems faced by BLOs as the enumeration phase is progressing.
It alleged that the SIR started without adequate preparation, proper training or sufficient planning, resulting in an excessive workload for the BLOs and that the exercise had led to frequent arguments between members of the public and the BLOs during the door-to-door verification process.
Holding the Election Commission “morally responsible” for the situation, the committee said the current timeline for the revision exercise should be extended by at least six months to reduce the burden on field officials. The group also sought a special allowance for the BLOs, arguing that the existing annual allowance of ₹12,000 was inadequate considering the additional responsibilities.
Published - July 12, 2026 06:45 pm IST
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