In a major decision to strengthen grassroots-level electoral operations, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has doubled the annual remuneration of Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000. This move recognizes the critical role these field officers play in maintaining clean, transparent, and inclusive electoral rolls.
Let’s take a deeper look at the new pay structure and what it means for India’s election workforce.
BLOs Get a Boost: ₹12,000 Annual Remuneration Approved
Since 2015, BLOs have been earning ₹6,000 annually for their efforts in managing voter records at the booth level. The new order doubles this amount to ₹12,000 per year, a welcome increase for thousands of teachers and state government employees who work as BLOs during elections.
Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) are the backbone of voter registration, responsible for:
- Adding new voters to the electoral rolls
- Deleting names of deceased or shifted voters
- Ensuring voter list accuracy at their assigned polling booths
This increase in remuneration reflects the Election Commission’s acknowledgment of their consistent, on-ground efforts.
New Norm: One BLO Per 1,200 Voters Only
Under the revised norms, the Election Commission has capped the number of voters per booth at 1,200. This ensures better accuracy, manageable workloads, and more efficient handling of voter data.
By narrowing the BLO-to-voter ratio, the EC aims to improve data quality and outreach during intensive voter registration drives and elections.
Special Incentive for Bihar BLOs During Voter List Revision
The Commission has also announced a special incentive of ₹6,000 for BLOs involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, where the voter update process is currently underway. This extra payment recognizes the additional workload taken on during revision periods, especially in large or high-density constituencies.
More Pay for Supervisors, EROs, and AEROs
It’s not just BLOs who are getting a pay raise. The Election Commission has enhanced remuneration for other key players in the electoral roll ecosystem:
- BLO Supervisors: Annual pay increased from ₹12,000 to ₹18,000
- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs): Now receive ₹30,000 annually
- Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs): Granted ₹25,000 per annum
These changes aim to incentivize precision, accountability, and dedication at every level of voter roll management.
ECI: Pure Electoral Rolls Are the Bedrock of Democracy
In its official statement, the Election Commission emphasized that “pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy”, and that the entire electoral machinery plays a pivotal role in maintaining the legitimacy of Indian elections.
By enhancing financial support, the EC hopes to:
- Boost morale and performance of BLOs and supervisors
- Ensure timely and accurate voter list updates
- Promote transparency and inclusivity in the democratic process
This move also aligns with the broader push for digitization, accountability, and field-level integrity in electoral practices across India.
The decision to double the annual remuneration for BLOs and increase payouts for supervisory staff reflects the Election Commission’s growing focus on grassroots efficiency. With the upcoming elections on the horizon, a more motivated and better-compensated electoral workforce is a step toward stronger democratic participation.
If you’re a BLO or aspiring to join election duty, this is a positive change worth celebrating. Better pay, better performance — and a more accurate voter list for every Indian.
