BLO Duty Negligence: Assistant Teacher Suspended in Gajapati

Authorities suspended an assistant teacher in Gajapati district for negligence in voter list revision duties.The order came from the office of the District Election Officer and Collector Akshay Sunil Agrawal, IAS, under Section 32(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.The suspended official, Ramanuj Das, served as Booth Level Officer (BLO) for Booth No. 110 in Kashinagar block under Paralakhemundi Assembly Constituency. He was assigned to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, a critical exercise to ensure accuracy and integrity of voter records.Officials said Das failed to perform his assigned responsibilities and remained absent without a valid reason or prior permission. His absence disrupted the revision process, which is considered a vital part of election preparedness.The suspension order stated that Das cannot leave his headquarters without prior approval during the suspension period. He will receive a subsistence allowance as per the rules.