TNI Bureau: In a strict administrative action, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has placed a Booth Level Officer (BLO) under suspension for failing to perform duties related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

According to an official order issued on March 18, Smt. Rashmi Sahoo, an Assistant Teacher at a government high school in Chandrasekharpur, had been appointed as BLO for Booth No. 109 under Assembly Constituency No. 113. However, authorities found that she failed to attend and discharge her assigned responsibilities without any valid reason or prior approval.

The order, issued by Chanchal Rana, District Election Officer and Commissioner of BMC, termed the lapse as “gross negligence, dereliction of duty, and disobedience of lawful orders.” It further stated that such conduct violates provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951, along with applicable service rules.

Given the statutory importance of BLOs in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls, the administration viewed the lapse seriously. Sahoo has been placed under immediate suspension, pending further proceedings.

During the suspension period, she has been directed not to leave headquarters without prior permission and will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per rules.

The move signals a zero-tolerance approach by election authorities towards negligence in election-related duties, especially during crucial revision exercises.