India's electoral process, the world's largest democratic exercise, has recently come under scrutiny due to the harsh working conditions endured by its polling staff. Reports of deaths, allegedly linked to heatstroke and exhaustion, have sparked outrage and highlighted the immense pressure faced by these essential workers.
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, extreme heatwaves swept across many parts of India, pushing temperatures to near record-breaking levels. In Uttar Pradesh, 33 poll workers died due to the heat. Across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, at least 18 polling staff died from heat-related ailments. Some cities recorded temperatures exceeding 49°C (120.2°F). These conditions took a severe toll on the individuals responsible for conducting the elections. Many of these deceased workers were sanitation workers, home guards, and other polling staff.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) mandates compulsory election duty for public sector employees. This means that millions of government employees are drafted into service during elections, tasked with managing polling stations, verifying voter identities, and ensuring smooth operations. Often, these workers travel long distances via various modes of transport to reach remote locations.
Reports indicate that many polling staff face grueling hours, often working through the night to meet deadlines. Allegations of inadequate facilities at polling stations have also surfaced, with claims of insufficient access to drinking water, shade, and休息. The combination of heat, heavy workloads, and lack of basic amenities creates a hazardous environment for these workers.
In light of the reported deaths, state governments announced compensation for the families of the deceased. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and fail to address the systemic issues that contribute to the problem. Some experts point to the increasing administrative demands of the electoral process, exacerbated by the introduction of digital data entry, as a major factor. This has increased workloads, especially for older employees unfamiliar with the technology.
The recent incidents have triggered calls for comprehensive reforms to protect the health and well-being of election workers. Suggestions include reducing workloads, providing better facilities at polling stations, and implementing stricter guidelines to prevent heatstroke and exhaustion. Some propose that the ECI should acknowledge the crisis and conduct a systemic investigation. Concerns have also been raised regarding mental health support for election workers, with some reports indicating that officers spoke openly about their deteriorating mental state.
