Four Electoral Roll Worker Deaths Spark Outcry Over High Targets Under GBA

The deaths of four employees assigned to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Karnataka have triggered widespread alarm and protests, with employee unions demanding the removal of work targets and a reduction in pressure. The deceased include three City Corporation employees under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and one anganwadi worker.

On Saturday, Bhuvana, a 26-year-old supervisor for booth-level officers (BLO), died when a truck rammed into her scooter on Kunigal Road near Guluru in Tumakuru. Her death sparked immediate protests against alleged excessive work pressure.

On Monday, Manjula, an anganwadi teacher at the Kallpura Anganwadi Centre who was also engaged in the SIR process, passed away. M Jayamma, the Secretary of the Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers’ Union, alleged that Manjula died from pressure and tension due to harassment by higher authorities to meet targets for distributing forms. Jayamma demanded that the authorities provide compensation to Manjula's family and stop fixing targets for anganwadi workers, noting that they often worked from 6 am to 7 pm.

In response to the crisis, A Amritraj, president of the GBA Corporations Officers and Employees’ Welfare Association, wrote a letter to the Chief Commissioner of the GBA. Amritraj revealed that three corporation employees died of heart attacks within a week of the SIR process beginning.

Amritraj urged the Chief Commissioner to direct authorities not to pressure or threaten corporation employees with suspension if they fail to meet form-distribution targets. He pointed out that there are more than three lakh vacancies in departments such as revenue, GBA, city corporations, and municipalities across the state, including around 7,000 vacancies under the GBA alone. This shortage has compelled existing employees to work extra hours. Furthermore, approximately 70% of GBA employees are over 50 years of age, with many suffering from cardiac problems, blood pressure, and diabetes.