With the nationwide phase of SIR 2 underway in 12 states and union territories, with the final voter list to be released on February 7, 2026, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are working under “intense work pressure”.
According to an India Today report, a senior teacher involved in SIR-related work committed suicide after jumping in front of a train at Bindayaka level crossing. In his suicide note, he wrote that he was under extreme pressure from his superior regarding official duties related to SIR.
Kerala BLOs boycott SIR work after officer’s suicide
In another incident, the SIR exercise in Kerala was hit across the state on Monday as BLOs boycotted work following the suicide of an officer allegedly due to work strain. Aneesh George, 44, BLO in Payyannur, Kannur, was found hanging in his house on Sunday.
Family members and residents alleged that he took the extreme step due to the work pressure associated with the SIR exercise.
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Various civil service unions, including the State Government Employees and Teachers Action Council and the Joint Committee of Teachers’ Service Organisations, staged protests at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Thiruvanathapuram and the District Collectorate, demanding that the authorities refrain from excessive pressure on the BLOs and consider postponing the SIR.
The Federation of Tamil Nadu Employees’ Income Associations will boycott SIR from November 18
Members of the Federation of Revenue Employees Association of Tamil Nadu will boycott SIR work from tomorrow, protesting against excessive workload, insufficient manpower, deadline pressure and inadequate training and funding, the association said on Monday.
The nationwide protest on 18 November was aimed at seeking proper training for all officers, appointment of additional officers as booth level officers and deployment of sufficient strength at the BLO level.
The association demanded that the collectors immediately stop holding late-night review meetings and organize three video conferences a day in the name of reviews.
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The ongoing special intensive review, which ends on December 4, involves distributing and collecting forms, submitting them online and holding review meetings.
What is happening in West Bengal?
The BLO fell ill on Sunday during SIR work and his family claimed that he was under severe stress due to the deadline to submit and upload the enumeration forms.
The BLO, Animesh Nandi, was admitted to a private hospital and his condition is currently stable, his wife said, PTI reported.
Nandi, a teacher by profession, fell ill while attending a meeting with a leader in North Kolkata’s Beleghat area.
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The incident sparked a war of words over the BLO’s workload.
While the spokesperson of the BLOs organization said that they have been entrusted with work like digitization of forms and data uploading, though initially they were only asked to distribute forms, explain the procedure to voters, collect documents and submit them by December 4.
The Election Commission says more than 49 lakh voters have received SIR Phase II forms
Over 49.73 lakh voters in 12 states and union territories have received their Electoral Forms (EFs) as part of SIR Phase II, according to the latest Election Commission of India bulletin at 3 pm.
The nationwide second phase of SIR is currently underway in 12 states and union territories, with the final voter list to be released on February 7, 2026.
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According to the Daily Bulletin issued at 3 pm today, ECI confirmed that 49,73,39,480 SIR forms out of 50,97,43,180 printed have been successfully delivered to the voters, covering the regions – Andaman and Nicobar, Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshaddesh, Rajuastry, U Pradhum Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
Here are ways to protect your mental health under extreme pressure
If you ever feel overwhelmed or in crisis, reach out to a trusted person or mental health professional or call a helpline.
Support is real and can make a difference.
When the work pressure is overwhelming, it’s important to stop and ground yourself. Start by setting realistic limits: break tasks down into smaller steps, prioritize what really needs attention, and allow yourself to say no when your plate is full.
Even short breaks throughout the day, such as taking a few deep breaths, a quick stretch, or stepping away from the screen, can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
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Taking care of your body helps stabilize your mind. Try to protect your sleep, eat regularly and stay hydrated; these basics make stress much more manageable.
Create a small ritual after work, such as taking a walk, taking a warm shower, or listening to music, to help you transition out of “work mode.”
If you ever feel that the pressure is too much or you are reaching a crisis, reach out for support – a colleague, a friend or a helpline. You don’t have to face intense stress in silence.
24×7 helpline numbers
Tele-MANAS (National Tele Mental Health): 14416 or 1800-891-4416
KIRAN Mental Health Helpline: 1800-599-0019
AASRA (Suicide Prevention): +91 22-2754 6669
Vandrevala Foundation (Mental Health): 1860-266-2345 or 1800-233-3330
Sneha (Chennai, Suicide Crisis): +91 44-2464 0050
NIMHANS Psychosocial / Mental Health Support: 080-4611-0007
(With input from agencies)
