Overview
- Training in Siliguri saw walkouts as officers left a digital data-entry session shouting slogans, with parallel protests reported in Howrah and a demonstration in Katwa over severe stress.
- BLOs cite a rapid shift to app-based entry, duplication of manual and digital inputs across nearly 200 forms, late-night instructions, and difficulties for older staff unfamiliar with technology.
- Some officers said they would boycott digital entry under current conditions and warned they would submit deputations to district magistrates if the pressure continues.
- A BLO platform submitted a letter to Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal seeking more time for enumeration, data-entry operators, editing options, and clearer guidelines; he assured them he would raise concerns with the ECI if needed.
- The Special Intensive Revision runs November 4 to December 4 with over 80,000 BLOs handling house-to-house forms and app uploads, as the ECI conducts reviews and plans a November 18 visit to assess progress.