In a troubling development, six poll officers in Madhya Pradesh have died within a span of 10 days while working on the state’s Special Intensive Voter Revision exercise. The incident has sparked serious concern about working conditions, health checks, and administrative oversight during field-level election duties.
The voter revision exercise—critical for updating electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections—requires extensive fieldwork, long hours, and continuous monitoring by poll staff across districts.
The deaths have led to demand for a deeper probe and better protection for officers engaged in such high-pressure tasks.
What Happened During the Voter Revision Exercise?
The deceased officers were posted in different districts and reportedly died due to:
Sudden health collapses
Stroke or cardiac-related issues
Exhaustion linked to long working hours (as per early reports)
While official causes are still being verified, the pattern within just 10 days has raised alarm in the administrative and election machinery.
Why the Situation Is Alarming
1. High Workload During Special Revision Drives
Voter list revision demands:
Door-to-door verification
Long travel hours
Extensive paperwork and digital entry
Meeting strict timelines
Officers often work late into the night.
2. Lack of Medical Screening for Poll Staff
Most officers are not medically examined before being assigned demanding field duties—especially in rural and remote regions.
3. Extreme Weather Conditions
Several parts of Madhya Pradesh are experiencing fluctuating temperatures, adding stress during outdoor work.
4. Inadequate Support & Safety Measures
Reports suggest that many officers lack:
Proper rest breaks
Transport assistance
Hydration support
Emergency medical access
What Authorities Are Saying
Local administrations have acknowledged the deaths and stated that:
Detailed reports are being collected
Families of the officers will receive compensation
The Election Commission will assess safety protocols
Discussions are underway on improving working conditions during future voter revision programmes.
Why The Voter Revision Exercise Is Important
The Special Intensive Revision ensures:
Addition of first-time voters
Removal of duplicate or incorrect entries
Correction of names, addresses, and details
Updating electoral rolls ahead of elections
It is a foundational component of free and fair elections—but the safety of staff remains a fundamental responsibility.
FAQs
1. How many officers died during the revision exercise?
Six officers died within 10 days while on voter revision duty.
2. What caused the deaths?
Early reports point to health-related issues, though official confirmation is pending.
3. Is the voter revision exercise still ongoing?
Yes, the Special Intensive Revision process continues under administrative supervision.
4. Did authorities respond?
Yes. The administration is reviewing the situation and considering safety improvements.
5. Will families receive compensation?
Yes, compensation and support measures are expected.
Published on : 25th November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit: Content inspired by reporting from Anurag Dwary and edited by Harshit Sabarwal