BLO hospitalised due to brain-stroke for SIR work overload in Hooghly

A 60-year-old anganwadi worker and Booth Level Officer (BLO) from Konnagar suddenly while distributing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms. Tapati Biswas, resident of Nabagram area in Konnagar, was working at Uttarpara Vidhan Sabha's Booth No. 279 under Ward 19 of Konnagar Municipality when she felt dizzy fell down. She was rushed to Konnagar Matri Sadan Hospital where doctors confirmed she had suffered a cerebral stroke. Her left side has become numb and she is now under close observation.

Family members blames that due to the huge pressure of SIR works her health deteriorated. Tapati had to distribute forms, collect them back, scan QR codes, and upload everything online – often staying awake almost all night. Her husband Prabir Biswas said constant phone calls and on fear of losing her job forced her to work even when she was feeling unwell. With one daughter earning a small salary and Prabir retired from Serampore Hastings Jute Mill. Tapati's brother-in-law Babulal Biswas says that due to network problem it is impossible to scan the SIR form and due to this she used to get tensed which leads to brain-stroke from stress and tension

Tapati’s job was the family’s main support.Doctors at the hospital revealed that Tapati has high blood sugar and high blood pressure for a long time but was not taking medicines regularly. Uncontrolled sugar and pressure caused the brain stroke, confirms doctor. Locals and other BLOs says many workers are facing the same mental and physical stress because of tight deadlines and technical problems while uploading forms. Family hopes Tapati recovers soon and the administration reduces such extreme work pressure on ground-level staff.