Bhubaneswar, June 18: The Boudh district administration has taken strict action against two Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for allegedly neglecting their responsibilities during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. The officials have been suspended for repeatedly remaining absent from duty despite several warnings and official notices.

The suspended officers have been identified as Birendra Behera, Assistant Teacher of Government Upper Primary School, Gandisar, and Shiba Chandra Gaan, Assistant Teacher of Government Upper Primary School, Kharbhuin. They were serving as BLOs for Polling Station No. 176-Gandisar and Polling Station No. 169-Kharbhuin respectively under the 86-Boudh Assembly Constituency.

According to an order issued by District Election Officer and Boudh Collector Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, the two officials failed to discharge their statutory duties related to the revision of electoral rolls. Despite receiving repeated instructions and show-cause notices from the authorities, they allegedly did not report for duty or comply with the directions issued to them.

The administration has cited gross negligence, dereliction of duty and disobedience of lawful orders as the primary reasons for their suspension. Officials stated that the Special Intensive Revision process is a crucial electoral exercise, and any lapse in its implementation can adversely affect the accuracy and integrity of voter records.

In addition to the suspension, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the two officials under the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules. During the suspension period, both officers have been directed not to leave their respective headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority. They will, however, be entitled to receive subsistence allowance in accordance with existing government rules.

The action sends a strong message regarding accountability and the importance of timely execution of election-related responsibilities.

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