Bhubaneswar: A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) training programme for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors was conducted across various assembly constituencies in Odisha on Monday to prepare for the upcoming voter list revision exercise.
The training programme has been organised with the objective of ensuring a more accurate, error-free and comprehensive electoral roll ahead of the Special Intensive Revision process scheduled to begin in the state from May 30.
During the session, officials focused on strengthening field-level preparedness and ensuring proper adherence to election guidelines and government instructions. Participants were given detailed briefings on the procedures required for the effective implementation of the SIR exercise at the ground level.
BLOs were also instructed on ways to make the voter list revision process more systematic, efficient and transparent. Emphasis was placed on maintaining accuracy during data collection and verification to avoid discrepancies in the electoral rolls.
In view of the prevailing severe heatwave conditions in the state, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer has also issued special safety guidelines for field staff engaged in the SIR exercise. As per the directive, fieldwork will be carried out from 6 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm, while outdoor activity has been restricted between 12 pm and 3 pm due to extreme temperatures.
The guidelines further mandate that each field officer carry essential items during duty, including a water bottle, ORS or electrolyte packets, a hat or umbrella, and a functional mobile phone for emergency communication.
The Chief Electoral Officer has issued Letter No. 3333/Elect to District Magistrates, District Election Officers, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner, and Electoral Registration Officers across all districts, directing strict compliance with the safety measures during the SIR operations.
