BLO in Meerut Consumes Poison Amid Intense Pressure to Complete SIR Forms; Supervisor Accused of Threats

A shocking incident from Meerut has exposed the growing pressure on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) involved in the ongoing SIR preparations. Mohan Chaudhary, a senior assistant in the Irrigation Department who was also serving as a BLO, allegedly attempted suicide on Tuesday evening after consuming poison on the rooftop of his house. The incident has triggered outrage among departmental employees and renewed questions about the mounting workload and administrative pressure faced by field staff.

According to family members, Mohit had been struggling for days under the double burden of his regular departmental duties and the demanding SIR responsibilities. His wife, Jyoti, said that he would leave home early in the morning and return late at night, completely drained. The constant pressure to update and submit SIR forms had pushed him into severe mental stress. She also claimed that he was barely eating and had visibly broken down emotionally over the past several days.

The situation escalated when Mohit’s supervisor, Ashish Sharma, allegedly threatened him with suspension and even an FIR if the SIR forms were not completed on time. Jyoti further alleged that the department forced Mohit to sign several documents under pressure, only adding to his stress. The family insists that assigning technically demanding SIR-related tasks without proper training is nothing short of negligence.

On Tuesday evening, Mohit went to the rooftop of his Muradipur residence on Garh Road and consumed a poisonous substance. When his condition deteriorated, family members rushed him to a private hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. The news of the incident spread quickly, prompting union leaders and departmental staff to gather at the hospital. Tensions ran high as employees raised slogans against the administration and accused officials of treating BLOs like machines.

Employees alleged that the administration has been exerting extreme pressure, with repeated instructions to “get the forms completed at any cost.” They also cited a recent inspection in which officers themselves struggled to collect forms from residents of upscale colonies who refused to even open their doors—yet BLOs are expected to meet unrealistic deadlines regardless of ground realities.

Late in the night, ADM (E) Satyaprakash arrived at the hospital, recorded Mohit’s statement, and assured full support. He acknowledged that Mohit had already completed 75% of his work and described him as one of the department’s most sincere employees. He added that if any supervisor has issued threats of suspension or legal action, a proper inquiry will be conducted.

Meanwhile, BLOs and field staff have demanded immediate reforms, including proper training, reduction of workload, and strict action against any form of coercion or misuse of authority. They pointed out that several BLOs have died previously due to excessive pressure, yet no meaningful steps have been taken to improve the system.

Mohit’s condition remains critical, and family members along with colleagues continue to monitor him at the hospital. As one BLO emotionally questioned,
“Is the administration concerned about the safety and mental health of field workers, or is the system only worried about deadlines and data?”

The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for humane working conditions, mental health support, and structural reforms in field-level government operations.