Teachers’ association demands central security during SIR duty
The Statesman | 10 October 2025The move comes at a time when the Election Commission of India, along with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, has been holding a series of meetings since yesterday to review preparations for the upcoming SIR in the state.
Bhashkar Ghosh, convenor of the Sangrami Joutha Mancha, said that the political atmosphere in the state is highly volatile and that teachers engaged as BLOs during the SIR process require personal protection while on duty.
A few days ago, MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh were assaulted by an angry mob in north Bengal during a flood inspection. “At such a juncture BLOs fear for their lives while conducting door-to-door SIR verification. We have urged the ECI to provide armed central paramilitary forces during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, likely to begin next month,” said Mr Ghosh.
He further added that many of these teachers would have to perform SIR duties after school hours, often in the dark, and in some sensitive areas such as red-light districts. Some are elderly or not physically fit, so the ECI must ensure their safety and security while performing their duties as BLOs.
Members of the Usthi United Primary Teachers’ Welfare Association stated that BLOs play a crucial role in the SIR process and may face public hostility while carrying out their work across the state. Sources said that the SDM’s office in Durgapur has received the memorandum and will forward it to higher authorities for consideration.
