Bhubaneswar, June 2: In a significant administrative action ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha has suspended Banaja Das, Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO)-cum-Block Development Officer (BDO) of Badasahi in Mayurbhanj district, citing serious lapses and gross dereliction of duty.

The suspension order was issued by Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Gopalan, IAS, who also informed the District Election Officer (DEO) and Collector of Mayurbhanj about the action taken against the officer.

According to the official notification, Banaja Das has been placed under suspension with immediate effect for repeatedly failing to participate in crucial training programmes related to the Special Intensive Revision process and for allegedly disregarding official instructions issued by the Election Commission machinery.

Among the major charges levelled against her is the failure to attend a mandatory virtual training programme for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) held on May 23, 2026, despite receiving prior intimation. Officials stated that she also failed to respond to a show-cause notice issued regarding her absence from the programme.

The order further noted that Das remained absent during important training sessions conducted for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO supervisors on May 26 and 27. She allegedly availed Casual Leave without proper intimation and remained unavailable during a critical phase of election-related preparations.

The action underscores the Election Commission’s emphasis on accountability and preparedness ahead of the electoral roll revision exercise. Authorities have reiterated that negligence in election-related duties will be dealt with strictly to ensure a transparent and error-free electoral process.

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