BLO distributing SIR forms at Virugambakkam in Chennai. | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj
As the mid-term examination approaches, schools in Tamil Nadu with teachers assigned as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) are struggling to complete the syllabus on time.
“We can’t even think about teaching now. Distributing forms takes up our whole day. With so much pressure from higher officials to fulfill our duty, we really can’t think about the children now. Our primary work has now become a second priority,” said a secondary teacher from Erode, who is on deputation as a BLO.
More than 68,000 teachers, Anganwadi workers, mid-day canteens and electricity bill readers, among others in Tamil Nadu, have been designated as BLOs. They have to distribute Unique Enumeration Forms (EFs) to each voter, help the voter match them with relatives from the last revision, verify details and make at least three visits to the voter’s house, among other duties including data upload.
“Our students have half-yearly exams ahead of them, besides there is Ennum Ezhuthum, Kalaithiruvizha and other administrative activities to complete. All these will be affected. Students will lose touch with the subjects as we cannot be present with them,” the teacher added.
“Fear forces absence”
While teachers have to perform their BLO duties after school, most of them do not go to school for fear of backlash for not completing their duties. “We have one hour’s permission from the last class of school to complete our BLO duties, but it is just not enough. Students are definitely collateral in this rushed exercise. We have no answer when parents ask us about the education of students,” said S. Punitha, a secondary school teacher from Thoothukudi on BLO duty.
As teachers on deputation to BLO cannot teach their classes, the responsibility now falls on other teachers. “I have to teach four classes beyond my class. I can’t manage their entire education. My class alone has 30 students. How will I teach four more classes. Now I am not able to complete the sections for all the four classes,” said a government school teacher from Tiruvottriyur, who manages her colleague’s classes.
Remote monitoring
Some teachers follow WhatsApp groups to ensure that their students keep up with their studies. “The mid-term examination for class V starts on December 15. I am texting them to remind them that I am going with their studies and to contact me in case of any doubts,” said a government school teacher from Erode.
A senior official from the ministry noted that it was aware of the circumstances and said: “We have advised schools to appoint teachers through the School Management Committee and also use surplus teachers to manage teaching needs.”
No response
Despite repeated attempts, the Chief Electoral Officer could not be reached.
Published – 18 Nov 2025 22:32 IST
