India Faces Suicide Surge Among Poll Workers During Voter Recount Frenzy

India is currently grappling with a disturbing trend: an increase in suicides among booth-level officers (BLOs) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. This extensive electoral exercise involves millions of BLOs who face immense pressure to meet tight deadlines and achieve specific targets.

Overview of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

The SIR was initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on November 4, across 12 states and federally governed territories. The objective was to update electoral rolls by adding eligible voters and removing ineligible ones. The process includes extensive house visits, gathering documents, and uploading data online.

Impact on BLOs

Many BLOs are government teachers or junior officials who report overwhelming workloads and severe stress. A recent study by the Spect Foundation revealed that at least 33 BLOs have died since the start of the SIR, with at least nine cases of suicide linked to extreme work-related pressure.

The Case of Vijay Kumar Verma

Vijay Kumar Verma, a BO from Lucknow, collapsed while working late at home on November 14. He was later diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage and passed away ten days later. His son, Harshit Verma, expressed deep concern over the relentless demands placed on his father, revealing messages from officials that urged him to complete 200 forms daily or face penalties.

Other Witness Accounts

• A 45-year-old BLO described surviving on barely two hours of sleep each day.
• Another BLO noted that her personal information was publicly available, leading to late-night calls from villagers needing assistance.

Heightened Concerns and Challenges

Working conditions for BLOs, especially in rural areas, are often difficult. There is a significant lack of electronic documentation among villagers, which adds to the time pressure. Reports indicate that training provided to BLOs was insufficient, consisting of a brief overview on data handling rather than comprehensive instruction.

The deadline for completing the SIR in Uttar Pradesh has been extended multiple times, underscoring the ongoing stress faced by workers. As of now, the ultimate completion date is set for December 26.

Suicides and Mental Health Concerns

The stress associated with SIR has also resulted in tragic losses. In West Bengal, several BLOs died, including 53-year-old Rinku Tarafdar, who left a suicide note blaming the oppressive work environment. Another case involved Sarvesh Singh, who died by suicide, leaving behind a video expressing his struggles with workload and mental strain.

Response from the Election Commission

The ECI has faced backlash regarding the mental health implications of the SIR. Officials have dismissed accusations, stating the workload is manageable and that actions are being taken to support BLOs. However, recent increases in compensation and incentives have done little to assuage public concerns.

Calls for Action

Families of affected officers, such as the Verma family, are seeking government support due to the sudden loss of their breadwinners. They continue to call for accountability and better working conditions for BLOs. Critics argue that the pressures of the SIR threaten the integrity of democracy.

As this situation develops, pressure mounts on the ECI to address mental health issues among BLOs and ensure fairness in the electoral process while safeguarding the lives of those responsible for its implementation.