Election Commission Doubles Remuneration for BLOs, Introduces Honorarium for EROs and AEROs.
New Delhi:
In a major decision aimed at strengthening grassroots electoral processes, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a significant revision in remuneration for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors, while also introducing honorarium for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) for the first time.
This landmark revision, the first since 2015, underscores the Commission’s recognition of the critical role played by field-level election personnel in ensuring clean, accurate, and impartial electoral rolls, the foundation of free and fair elections.
Revised Remuneration Structure at a Glance
| Designation | Existing (Since 2015) | Revised (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Booth Level Officer (BLO) | Rs.6,000 per annum | Rs.12,000 per annum |
| Incentive for Roll Revision (BLO) | Rs. 1,000 | Rs. 2,000 |
| BLO Supervisor | Rs. 12,000 per annum | Rs. 18,000 per annum |
| Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) | Nil | Rs. 25,000 per annum |
| Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) | Nil | Rs. 30,000 per annum |
In addition to the revised pay structure, the Commission has also approved a special incentive of Rs. 6,000 for BLOs engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which is set to begin from Bihar.
Strengthening Electoral Machinery at the Grassroots
The ECI emphasized that this move is not merely financial, but a strategic investment in the quality and transparency of the electoral process.
Booth Level Officers, often drawn from among teachers and government staff, are the primary link between voters and the election machinery. They are tasked with:
- Door-to-door verification
- Correction and inclusion of voter data
- Assisting in roll revisions
- Supporting voters during elections
BLO Supervisors oversee the BLOs in their jurisdiction, while EROs and AEROs ensure compliance, accuracy, and coordination during the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
A Commitment to Democratic Integrity
Describing the decision as “long overdue,” a senior official from the Election Commission stated:
“Pure electoral rolls are the bedrock of democracy. Recognizing the relentless efforts of our ground-level staff is essential. This revision will boost morale and accountability among field officers.”
Background: A Decade Since Last Revision
The last remuneration revision for BLOs was implemented in 2015. In the last decade, the responsibilities of these officers have significantly expanded due to:
- Integration of digital voter services
- Increased verification requirements
- Voter awareness campaigns
- Frequent special revision drives
Looking Ahead: Electoral Reforms in Motion
This decision is in line with the ECI’s broader vision of:
- Enhancing efficiency at the field level
- Improving voter experience
- Ensuring inclusivity and transparency in the voter registration process
The rollout of the Special Intensive Revision starting in Bihar is seen as a testing ground for these new incentives, and may lead to similar drives in other states ahead of the upcoming general elections.
With this revision, the Election Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering field-level staff, acknowledging their contribution to the democratic framework, and ensuring voters across the country are served with integrity and diligence.
