Student Deployment for Roll revision criticised by Minister Sivankutty

Educational institutions in Kozhikode and Thrissur were asked on Tuesday by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to provide student volunteers to support the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. The request was formally issued through letters sent to schools and colleges, seeking the participation of members of NSS, NCC, Scouts, Guides, and Souhrida Clubs.

The SIR process, which was notified by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on October 27, is being carried out across the state. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been assigned large volumes of fieldwork, including the distribution, collection, and digital entry of Enumeration Forms. To complete the revision within the timeline set by the ECI, schools and colleges were asked to make volunteers available until November 30.

The appeal for additional manpower was issued at a time when BLOs themselves have been reporting work pressure. In Kondotty taluk of Malappuram district, a representation was submitted recently to the Tehsildar, in which BLOs complained that increasing responsibilities and the burden of managing almost all tasks alone had become difficult to handle.

The letter issued in Kozhikode, signed by the Deputy Collector (RR) and the EROs for Elathur and Beypore, stressed that the completion of SIR activities within the prescribed deadline required immediate additional support from educational institutions.

Meanwhile, a BLO posted at Anappady West LP School in the Tavanur constituency was removed from duty for allegedly behaving rudely towards members of the public. The action was confirmed by District Collector V.R. Vinod on Tuesday. An explanation was sought from the officer, and Praseena, a teacher from Cheriya Parappur AMLP School, was appointed as the replacement BLO.

The Special Intensive Revision exercise continues across the state as election authorities aim to complete the updating of the electoral roll within the scheduled period.