BLO App Update: Big Update in BLO App! Duplicate Voters to be Identified Easily, Know Details of New Option
BLO App Update: The Election Commission is constantly leveraging technology to make the voter list transparent and error-free. Following this trend, a very important update has recently been introduced in the BLO (Booth Level Officer) App. This new option acts as a ‘filter’ for voter list revision. It is expected that through this feature, duplicate or fake voters in a constituency can be easily identified. In this report, we will discuss how this new feature works and exactly what steps BLOs need to take.
What is Duplicate Elector Verification?
A new option named ‘Duplicate Elector Verification’ has been added at the very bottom of the BLO App interface. Clicking on this option displays a list of potential duplicate voters within the jurisdiction of a specific BLO. However, it is important to remember that not everyone shown in the app is definitely a duplicate voter. This is merely a preliminary list that requires verification.
Who is Being Identified as Duplicate?
This list has been prepared using the Election Commission’s software algorithms. Essentially, those whose names and their relatives’ names (e.g., father’s name) exactly match with the details of another person in a different constituency or within the same constituency are appearing on this list.
For example, suppose there is a voter named ‘Uday Kundu’ in your area and his father’s name is ‘Biman Kundu’. If another voter with exactly the same name and the same father’s name is found in another place, the system assumes that these two individuals are likely the same person and that he possesses voter cards in two different places.
Duties of BLOs
There is no need for BLOs to panic upon seeing this new option. It is simply a verification process. If a name appears in the app, BLOs must follow certain specific steps:
- Physical Verification: The BLO must physically visit the house of that specific voter.
- Information Collection: The voter must be asked directly whether they have a voter card in any other place or if they have applied for a new card elsewhere.
The action plan for BLOs is explained in the table below:
| Voter’s Response | Action in App | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| If the voter admits to having another card | Select ‘Mark Uncollectible’ | It proves the person has multiple cards; the supervisor must be informed. |
| If the voter states they have no other card | Select ‘No Action Required’ | The name will be removed from the list, and they will be considered a valid voter. |
Will There Be Any Pressure on BLOs?
A question may arise in many minds: if a voter gives false information (i.e., denies having another card despite having one) and the BLO reports accordingly, will the BLO face any problems in the future? According to the guidelines, no liability will fall on the BLO in such cases. This is because it is not possible for a BLO to know if that person secretly holds a voter card elsewhere. The BLO will report solely based on the information provided by the voter.
Other Recent App Updates
Not just duplicate verification, two other important features have recently been added to the BLO App:
- 85+ Reverification: Visiting homes to verify if voters aged over 85 are still alive.
- ASD Reverification: A facility to verify the status of Absent, Shifted, or Dead voters.
In conclusion, the Election Commission is increasing the use of technology to make the voter list accurate. However, how much the percentage of duplicate voters can actually be reduced through this verification process will depend on time and proper implementation.
