Election Commission Cracks Down on Misconduct by Booth Level Officers

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In a move to strengthen electoral integrity, the Election Commission of India has issued guidelines for disciplinary action against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) found guilty of misconduct, negligence, or electoral law violations. The instructions were sent to chief electoral officers across states and Union Territories on Friday. BLOs, appointed under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, serve on deputation to the Election Commission under Section 13CC. The commission has reviewed cases of dereliction of duty, non-compliance with instructions, and violations of electoral laws, including the Representation of the People Act and the Registration of Electors Rules. Under the new guidelines, district election officers (DEOs) will suspend errant BLOs and recommend departmental proceedings to the disciplinary authority. In cases involving criminal misconduct, an FIR may be registered with the chief electoral officer's approval. CEOs have been empowered to take action against BLOs on their own or based on reports from DEOs or electoral registration officers. The commission has emphasized that any disciplinary proceedings will require prior concurrence from the CEO, and all actions taken will be reported to the Election Commission. The move aims to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that BLOs uphold their responsibilities.