PANJIM: As booth level officers (BLOs) were directed to organise special camps at their polling stations on a public holiday (Dusshera), the Goa Government Employees Association (GGEA) has cautioned the election authorities to immediately put an end to such dictatorial attitude.
However, GGEA has also threatened to organise symbolic marches at taluka headquarters highlighting the issue if the authorities to prevent such things happening with BLOs.
“In a surprise communiqué sent by some Asst Election Returning Officers (AEROs) on Friday late evening, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were directed to organise special camps at their polling stations on September 30 between 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. They were also directed to call at 5 pm and give the report. The recent orders issued by the AEROs also mandate the BLOs to do their work after office hours, Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays,” said GGEA President, John Nazareth.
“The above directives of the AEROs are totally uncalled for, denying those posted as BLOs their fundamental right to rest. Besides the BLOs are denied time to celebrate important Hindu festivals such as Dusshera with their families and friends. It’s a total abuse of power by the election related authorities and violation of human rights. The GGEA condemns the same in the strongest words,” Nazareth said.
He further said that such directives to work beyond working hours were issued only by Adolf Hitler in Germany which is long proved to be wrong. “India is a democratic country; we place great importance on human rights and values. Issuing such directives by the election authorities gives an impression that they have started feeling that they are above the law,” he opined.
“Besides this, the BLOs have reported that they are not treated with dignity and are given abusive words. Many a times we read police personnel committing suicide owing to long working hours and abusive treatment. GGEA cautions the authorities to prevent such things happening with BLOs,” he added.
Meanwhile, GGEA will convene a meeting of all the BLOs in Panjim very soon to plan the strategies and future course of action.
