While the SIR might have streamlined the voter lists for the elections, in its aftermath a slew of new challenges has appeared. As per a recent update, Arvind Vadher, Booth Level Officer (BLO) and teacher working for the SIR in Chhara village, Kodinar taluka, Gir Somnath district in Gujarat, committed suicide due to work pressure. The incident has shocked the entire education community and sparked outrage among the educational associations.
Before taking his own life, the 40-year-old Arvind Vadher left an emotional suicide note, in which he wrote, “I can no longer do this work, Sir. I have been feeling tired and stressed for the past few days. Please take care of yourself and my son. I love them both very much, but I am now helpless and have no choice.”
“I have all of Sir’s papers in my bag, which should be submitted to the school. I am very sorry my dear wife Sangita and my loving dear son Krishay.”
Outrage Among Educational Associations
Following the incident, the All India National Educational Federation, Gujarat Province, has announced a boycott of the online process being followed by teachers under the SIR, and discussions are underway on the future strategy.
Questions Regarding the Work Pressure
The recent death has raised serious questions regarding the working conditions as well as the immense pressure that BLOs have been facing. The recent occurrences of deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in several states across the country have raised serious concerns, with families attributing the deaths to excessive workload, particularly the pressure associated with SIR.
Where and How Many BLOs Have Committed Suicide
In recent times, a BLO was reported dead in Kheda, Gujarat, while another was reported dead in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, allegedly by suicide. Two cases were reported in Rajasthan: a BLO in Sawai Madhopur died of a heart attack, and a government school teacher in Jaipur committed suicide on November 16. The family alleged that he was under immense pressure related to the various tasks connected to SIR.
In Tamil Nadu, a senior Anganwadi BLO, reportedly overwhelmed by workload, attempted suicide by consuming 44 pills. In Kannur, Kerala, a BLO also took her life due to SIR-related stress. On November 9, a BLO in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, died of a brain stroke, which family members attributed to mental stress.
