CEO Tells BLOs Not to Insist on Physical Forms After Online Submission

Hyderabad:Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudharsan Reddy directed booth level officers (BLOs) to follow the laid down norms following complaints that voters who submitted online Count Forms were also asked to fill physical forms.

In a memo, the CEO instructed BLOs not to insist on physical submission when forms are already available online and warned against creating confusion among voters.

The CEO’s office has received complaints that such insistence creates anxiety among voters; Some BLOs have reportedly stated that names may not appear in the draft electoral roll unless physical forms are submitted.

The CEO’s official X branch also released a statement through a digital brochure stating that voters can choose online or offline modes to submit their Census Forms. It was stated that online applications can be made through the Election Commission’s website voters.eci.gov.in, while offline application will require assistance from BLOs. “BLO will provide you with two copies of the Numbering Form,” he explained.

Despite the announcement, confusion remained among voters, with some attributing it to misinformation on social media.

Voter Mohammed Bin Tayyab said he sent forms online for family members but was still asked to submit physical copies. “I sent my wife and son’s enumeration forms online and received approvals. However, local BLOs now insist that we also send physical enumeration forms. Many social media influencers say the same. What should I do?” he asked.

P. Rajesh Kumar, chairman of PCC’s Election Commission Coordination Committee, said the issue was brought to the attention of election officials following numerous instances of BLOs seeking physical forms despite online application.

Officials reiterated that voters must follow only one form of submission and that BLOs must follow the rules.