BLO Training: 15 New Guidelines for Voter List Revision! Know the Important Rules

BLO Training: Several important guidelines have been issued in the BLO (Booth Level Officer) training for election duty preparation, which every BLO must follow diligently. These instructions cover the entire process from distributing the enumeration form to collecting it and entering the data in the BLO app. Let’s find out in detail about these 15 emergency instructions.

Instructions for Distribution and Collection of Enumeration Forms

Certain rules have been set to complete the form distribution and collection process transparently and on time.

• Do Not Collect Documents: When the BLO collects the filled enumeration form from the voter, do not collect any documents.
• Signature: The voter will sign in the place designated for the voter on the form, and the BLO will sign in the place designated for the BLO.
• Distribution Register: When distributing the form, a signature must be taken from the voter in a register, which will prove that he/she has received the form.
• Deadline: The work of distributing the forms must start from November 4th and it must be ensured that the forms reach all voters by November 11th. This entire process of form distribution and collection must be completed between November 4th and December 4th, i.e., within one month.

What to do in the Voter’s Absence

If a voter is not at home, the BLO has to follow a specific procedure.

• Three Visits: If a voter is not found at home, the BLO must visit that house at least three times to submit or distribute the form.
• Submission via Relative: If the voter is away for work, a family member (relative) can sign the form on behalf of the voter. In this case, their relationship with the voter must be mentioned on the form.
• Online Submission: Voters can also submit the form online with their Aadhaar number. However, a copy of that submitted form must be delivered to the BLO through family members.
• Second Absence: If the voter is not found even after the second visit, the BLO will slide the enumeration form into the house through a door gap and keep a 10-second video recording on their mobile as proof.

Instructions for Form Fill-up and Linkage

It is very important to assist voters in filling out the form and to complete the linkage process correctly.

• Explain in Local Language: All the rules for filling out the form must be explained to the voter in their understandable local language (Vernacular Language).
• If No Linkage: Those who do not have any linkage will fill in the information in the first part of the form, sign it, and return it to the BLO.
• BLO’s Assistance: If a voter is unable to fill out the form, the BLO will help them. Even if they just sign and submit it, their name will appear on the draft list.
• Aadhaar Card: The Aadhaar card will be considered only as an Identification Document, not as proof of Citizenship (Citizenship Proof).
• Linkage Relationship: For linkage, grandparents (both paternal and maternal) will also be applicable in addition to parents.
• Deceased Parents: Voters whose parents were on the 2002 voter list but are currently deceased can also be mapped or linked with the current voters.

Administrative and Next Steps

After collecting the forms, there are some administrative tasks that the BLO must complete.

• Form Submission: After collecting all the forms, the BLO will submit them to the ERO (Electoral Registration Officer) or AERO (Assistant Electoral Registration Officer).
• Verification of Non-Linked: The names of those whose linkage is not found will also appear on the draft list, and later the ERO will call them for verification by issuing a notice.
• Verification Phase: All claims, objections, hearings, and verification processes will be completed between December 9th and January 31st (a total of 54 days).
• BLO App: Every step of form distribution and collection must be entered in the BLO App, as the CEO (Chief Electoral Officer) will monitor the progress of the work daily through the portal.
• New Voter Form: During the house visit, the BLO must keep at least 30 Form VI (Form 6) and also the Declaration Form (Annexure 4).