Nagpur: For many Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the challenge in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is not confined to knocking on doors. Some are first required to convince residents that the exercise is genuine, while others are criss-crossing the city after school hours to complete voter verification, prompting the administration to issue notices to teachers for not devoting adequate time to election work.Those closely working in the SIR process told TOI that multiple instances of public scepticism were also reported since the drive began, with some residents questioning the authenticity of the exercise and hesitating to share personal details, fearing it might be some kind of ‘scam’. In a few localities, the hesitation led to arguments before the purpose of the revision was explained.Deputy district election officer Rachna Indurkar said citizens are entitled to ask for identification before sharing any information. “Every BLO carries an official identity card issued for the exercise. Residents can verify the identity of the visiting official before furnishing details. We request citizens to cooperate so that the revision is completed within the stipulated timeline,” she said.The administration has also issued notices to around six BLOs for allegedly not according priority to election work despite repeated instructions that SIR duties should take precedence during the revision period. Officials said that although educational institutions were directed to relieve teachers appointed as BLOs of their regular responsibilities, some — particularly those handling Classes 10 and 12 — have continued taking important lectures before reporting for SIR work. The notices, officials said, were issued to ensure uniform compliance, and similar action would be taken wherever lapses are found.Several BLOs, talking to TOI, said the assignment also comes with its own logistical challenges. One teacher, requesting anonymity, said he lives in Godhni, teaches at a school in Koradi, but was assigned BLO duties in Hudkeshwar. “By the time school ends and I reach the allotted area, a substantial part of the day is already over. Travelling across three different parts of the city every day while completing door-to-door visits is physically demanding,” he said.“With so many online and doorstep scams being reported, it is natural to verify the identity of anyone asking for personal details. Once the BLO showed the official ID, we had no hesitation in cooperating,” Tushar Divekar, a resident of Mahal, said.
