BLO App Update: Major Change in BLO App! New Option for Voter Photo Verification, One Mistake Can Cause Big Trouble

BLO App Update: In line with the Election Commission’s directive and ongoing technological advancements, a significant update has been rolled out for the BLO App. The new version 9.04 is now available on the Google Play Store, introducing specific features to ensure the quality of voter data. The ‘Quality Check of Elector Photo’ option, in particular, has expanded both the scope of work and the responsibilities of Booth Level Officers (BLOs). In this report, we will discuss step-by-step how this new feature works and why extreme caution is necessary while using it.

What Changes Does the New Update Bring?

The primary focus of this new version of the BLO App is on the quality of photos in the voter list. This verification process has been launched as part of the SIR 2026 (Special Intensive Revision 2026) process. BLOs are now required to verify voter photos through the app and update them if necessary. However, to perform this task, the app must strictly be updated to version 9.04.

Step-by-Step Working Procedure

After updating the app, BLOs need to follow a specific set of steps:

1. Menu Selection: Open the app and navigate to the ‘Special Intensive Revision’ option. Select English as the language and submit.
2. Locating the Option: At the very bottom of the Pre Draft section within the SIR 2026 dashboard, the new option ‘Quality Check of Elector Photo’ will be visible.
3. Voter Selection: Clicking on this option will display the list of voters for the respective part. From there, click on the ‘View Details’ button next to a specific voter’s name.

Rules for Photo Selection and Modification

Upon entering the details view, BLOs will see two photos side by side on the screen.

• Left Photo: This is the old photo currently existing on the server or in the voter list.
• Right Photo: This is a recent photo collected or submitted during the ongoing SIR process.

The BLO must judge which photo is more appropriate based on the voter’s current age and image clarity. Tick the circular checkbox next to the photo deemed correct and submit. This is the safest method.

Extreme Caution and Risks in Using the Camera

If neither of the two photos mentioned above is correct or if they are blurry, only then should the ‘Upload New Photo’ option be used. However, this is where a significant risk lies.

This section of the app utilizes ‘Face Detection’ technology. As soon as you click on ‘Upload or Click Photo’ and turn on the camera, it will automatically capture the image the moment it detects a human face and submit it instantly. There is absolutely no option to check, edit, or cancel the photo.

Why is this Dangerous?
If, by mistake, the BLO’s own face or another person’s face comes in front of the camera while it is on, that incorrect photo will be uploaded to the voter’s profile. Once submitted, correcting it immediately is extremely difficult. Therefore, maximum caution is advised when using this option.

This new feature of the BLO App will undoubtedly help in improving the quality of the voter list. However, due to this automated technology, the workload and risk have increased slightly. According to experts, if the photo existing on the server or the recent photo on the right is reasonably acceptable, it is wiser not to take a new photo. This avoids the hassle of visiting houses to take photos and eliminates the risk of uploading the wrong image.