BLO Remuneration: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has delivered great news for all officials involved in election-related work, from Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). In a significant move to recognize their tireless efforts, the commission has announced a substantial increase in their remuneration.
This decision is aimed at motivating the election machinery and acknowledging the crucial role they play in upholding the democratic process. The last revision of remuneration was made back in 2015, making this update a long-awaited and welcome change.
Who Gets How Much? A Look at the New Remuneration Structure
The ECI’s announcement brings a significant pay hike for officials at various levels. Most notably, the annual remuneration for Booth Level Officers has been doubled. Furthermore, for the first time, an honorarium has been introduced for Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
Here is a detailed breakdown of the revised pay structure:
| Sr. No. | Designation | Previous Remuneration (INR) | Revised Remuneration (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Booth Level Officer (BLO) | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| 2 | Incentive for BLOs for Electoral Roll Revision | 1,000 | 2,000 |
| 3 | BLO Supervisor | 12,000 | 18,000 |
| 4 | Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) | N/A | 25,000 (Honorarium) |
| 5 | Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) | N/A | 30,000 (Honorarium) |
Special Incentive for Intensive Revision
In addition to the general pay hike, the Commission has also approved a special incentive of ₹6,000 for BLOs participating in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a program that is being initiated from Bihar.
Strengthening the Bedrock of Democracy
The Election Commission stated that pure and accurate electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy. The electoral machinery, consisting of EROs, AEROs, BLO Supervisors, and BLOs, plays a pivotal role in preparing impartial and transparent electoral rolls.
This decision reflects the Commission’s commitment to adequately compensating the personnel who work tirelessly at the field level to maintain accurate electoral rolls, assist voters, and ultimately, strengthen the entire electoral process of the nation.
