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Bengal SIR Controversy: SIR controversy has made the situation extremely tense in Kolkata. Protestors outside the Secretariat on Saturday tried to stop the CEO’s car and even chased him. The security forces somehow handled the situation. Meanwhile, a seven-member BLO delegation arrived to submit their demands to the deputation, due to which the atmosphere became more sensitive.
New Delhi. Amidst the SIR controversy, the atmosphere suddenly heated up outside the Secretariat in Kolkata on Saturday when the protesters tried to stop the car of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). According to eyewitnesses, the crowd first raised slogans in front of the vehicle, then surrounded the car and tried to stop it from moving forward. The security personnel somehow controlled the crowd but despite this the protesters chased the vehicle. This incident has alerted the entire administrative structure.
Anger on the streets, appeal in the office
At the time of the incident the CEO was going for a meeting with the DM of the district. Meanwhile, a seven-member delegation of BL O employees has also entered the office, who are going to submit a detailed deputation registering their demands and complaints. That is, on one hand the boiling anger on the streets and on the other hand the fast-paced conversations inside the office, both together have made the atmosphere extremely sensitive.
Increasing resentment in BLO
There was growing resentment among BL O employees regarding the SIR dispute for a long time. Dissatisfaction has been expressed several times over the ever-increasing pressure in processes like workload, security, data-collection and field verification, but recent orders have brought this dissatisfaction out on the streets. The protesters claim that safety in field duty is not guaranteed and the documentation and reporting standards demanded by the administration are making their job more difficult.
crisis of trust
That the tone of the protest on Saturday suddenly turned aggressive is an indication that the issue is no longer just administrative but a crisis of trust has also arisen among the BLO employees. Incidents like stopping the CEO’s car or chasing him go beyond simple protests. This shows the depth of tension between the administrative machinery and field-level staff.
Dispute will be resolved through dialogue
Experts believe that in such circumstances, dialogue is the only way to resolve the dispute. The meeting being held with the CEO and DM is important because it is giving the BL O employees an opportunity to convey their views directly to the top level. If concrete assurances are received on the demands and complaints, then the situation can be calmed down to a great extent in the coming days.
