EC Doubles BLO, Supervisor Honorarium; ERO–AERO to Receive Allowance for the First Time

New Delhi: The Election Commission has made a major change in the annual honorarium of Booth Level Officers (BLO). BLOs, who go door-to-door to verify voter lists, will now receive Rs 12,000 annually instead of Rs 6,000. The Commission says that this change has been made in view of their hard work and responsibilities. BLOs play the most important role in updating the voter list, that is why this big increase in their honorarium was made.

How much horarium will BLO supervisors get now?

The honorarium of BLO supervisors or supervisors has also been increased. Earlier they used to get Rs 12,000 per year, which has now been increased to Rs 18,000. Supervisors monitor the work of BLOs and ensure that the amendments being made in the voter list are accurate and timely. The Commission believes that the increased honorarium will further improve the quality of their work.

Why are EROs and AEROs being given honorarium for the first time?

This time the biggest change has been made in the context of ERO (Electoral Registration Officer) and AERO (Assistant Electoral Registration Officer). Now they will also be given annual honorarium. ERO will be given Rs 30,000 and AERO will be given Rs 25,000 per year. These officers handle the process of final review, approval and dispute resolution of the voter list. Earlier they did not get any separate honorarium, due to which the workload was more and resources were less. This step of the Commission fulfills a long pending demand.

Why will BLOs of Bihar be given additional incentives?

Special Intensive Revision is currently going on in Bihar, in which BLOs have to do additional field work. Keeping this in view, the Election Commission has announced a special incentive of Rs 6000 for the BLOs of Bihar. This amount is being given in recognition of their extra efforts during voter list reform. The Commission hopes that this will improve the speed of voter list update in Bihar.

What will be the benefit to the electoral system by increasing the honorarium?

The role of the workers updating the voter list at the grassroots level is very laborious. The Commission recognized that when they get proper economic incentives, both the quality and responsibility of their work increases. Election officials of the states have also welcomed this decision. This step will not only strengthen the morale of the employees, but will also make the electoral process more transparent and effective. This change is being considered important towards further improving the voter list before the upcoming elections.