Another BLO Commits Suicide Cites SIR Work Pressure in Emotional Video

A 46-year-old Booth-Level Officer (BLO), Sarvesh Singh, allegedly died by suicide at his Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh home. Police stated that Singh cited extreme pressure from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Over recent weeks, several BLOs reportedly took their lives, blaming heavy workloads and constant reporting demands. Singh worked as an assistant teacher and began his first polling assignment on October 7, handling voter verification and data entry tasks. BLOs act as primary contacts to help citizens submit election forms and maintain accurate electoral databases. Authorities highlighted that field-level workers face intense pressure during nationwide SIR exercises, raising concerns about mental health support and administrative workload management.

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Suicide: Workload Pressure and Distress Among BLOs

A video recorded by Singh before his death surfaced online, showing him overwhelmed with grief and crying uncontrollably. In the footage, he apologized to his mother and sister while pleading with them to care for his young daughters. Singh explained his inability to complete SIR targets despite working tirelessly. He urged viewers not to blame anyone and requested privacy for his family. The video revealed sleepless nights, anxiety, and exhaustion caused by tight deadlines, prompting mental health experts to emphasize stress awareness for election personnel.

Early Sunday, Singh’s wife, Babli Devi, found him hanging in their home and immediately alerted the local police. Investigators recovered a two-page handwritten suicide note addressed to the district Basic Education Officer. Singh described severe stress, sleepless nights, and concern for his daughters’ well-being, requesting forgiveness and stating nobody else should be blamed. Police confirmed the note and launched legal and administrative investigations. His family noted that continuous surveys, verification cycles, and reporting demands created immense pressure.

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Investigation, Support, and Election Commission Response

District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh praised Sarvesh’s dedication and quality of work and confirmed administrative and police inquiries are underway. Anganwadi employees had assisted Singh during the voter verification process. Authorities emphasized providing counseling and support to BLOs facing high-pressure duties. Public reactions highlighted the need for workload management reforms to protect election personnel.

Following the incident, the Election Commission of India extended the SIR schedule by seven days. Voters now have more time to ensure accurate enrollment, and BLOs/BLAs received additional days to submit lists of absent, shifted, deceased, or duplicate voters. Authorities emphasized the extension improves accuracy and reduces stress for field-level staff. Singh’s death prompted calls for better mental health support, workload management, and administrative reforms during SIR exercises nationwide.

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