File FIRs Against Staff Not Reporting For Election Work – Pune Divisional Commissioner

Pune, 20th December 2023: Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations are facing a potential crisis as 542 officers and employees from these municipalities are yet to respond to the call for election work related to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao issued a stern warning on Tuesday, stating that if these individuals fail to report within the next 24 hours, legal action will be taken against them under the Representation of the People Act.

The looming Lok Sabha election, scheduled at the beginning of the new year, prompted Divisional Commissioner Rao to review the preparations of the District Election Branch. In a meeting held on Tuesday, 542 officers and employees from Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and other government departments were designated as polling Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Despite repeated letters and notices sent to the concerned authorities, there has been no response from the Municipal Corporations or the officials and employees involved.

Expressing concern over the lack of cooperation, Divisional Commissioner Rao directed the district administration to initiate legal proceedings if the individuals in question do not show up for election duties within the stipulated 24 hours. The Representation of the People Act will be invoked against them, emphasizing the seriousness of their non-compliance.

Deputy Election Officer Minal Kalaskar shed light on the importance of the election-related tasks. In accordance with the Central Election Commission’s directives, plans are underway to update voter lists, conduct voter registration, enhance facilities at polling stations, and ensure the proper functioning of voting machines. Polling center level officials, known as BLOs, are crucial for these tasks, and the non-response from 542 appointed officers poses a significant challenge.

The district comprises four Lok Sabha constituencies—Pune, Baramati, Shirur, and Maval—with 8213 polling stations designated for 21 assembly constituencies. Each polling station is assigned a BLO, typically drawn from teachers, non-teaching staff, and clerks in the Municipal Corporation. Despite repeated communication efforts, the 542 employees have yet to participate in election-related work.

Divisional Commissioner Rao expressed satisfaction with the overall preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections but emphasized the need for adherence to legal procedures in voter roll management. He ordered the prompt processing of all applications received for voter registration, underscoring the significance of completing these tasks before removing any names from the electoral roll.