Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shikhshik Mahasangh of Gujarat has demanded the state government to end the “slavish practice” of issuing arrest warrant to teachers if they miss the duties of Level Officer (BLO) to “maintain respect for teachers”.
In a statement submitted to the state government on Tuesday, the teachers’ body also listed the issues that teachers on BLO duty are expected to face during the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of the electoral roll in Gujarat.
“If an employee cannot attend a meeting for any specific reason, the method of issuing an arrest warrant by an officer is similar to the ancient system of slavery. In order to maintain the respect of teachers in the community, it is necessary to stop such a practice. Teachers perform this work faithfully as well as their duty with great precision. However, this kind of behavior, arrest warrants and notices are unacceptable.”
“In fact, this work (BLO duty) after school hours is difficult. If for any reason the work is not completed or a BLO employee is not able to come to the office due to leave, personal or any other reason, a memorandum is issued by the office as if he were a criminal. If the field work takes longer, a written letter is issued informing the teacher to take punitive action. More than two lakh teachers from all over Gujarat feel that a decision should be taken in this regard,” Rashtriya Shikshik Mahasangh said. Gujarat Mitesh Bhatt in acting.
Moreover, the teachers’ body added that despite the written notification issued by the CEC distributing BLO duties equally among 12 cadres of various government and semi-government employees, more than 90 per cent of the BLOs are teachers.
The association demanded raising a separate cadre for BLOs as per the previous recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, adding that in Gujarat, more than 38,000 teachers are working as BLOs in more than 51,000 booths.
“If teachers make any representation, no proper response will be given by the authority concerned. Many times, there will be rude behaviour. If a teacher cannot attend the meeting or perform the work for any reason, he or she should be given an opportunity to explain.”
Story continues below this ad
As per the various phases of the SIR, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit voters house to house from November 4 to December 4 and fill counting forms.
(Tags for translation) Akhil Bhartiya Rashtriya Shikshik Mahasangh Gujarat
