National Recognition For Odisha’s BLO Mascot ‘Mita Didi’

Bhubaneswar: ‘Mita Didi’, the mascot representing booth-level officer (BLO) from Odisha, has earned national recognition with the Election Commission of India (ECI) featuring it on the cover page of the 10th edition of its e-Patrika.

In the booklet, Mita Didi, clad in a blue saree with Pasapali motif, introduces herself as a representative of BLOs from Odisha and as an ambassador to promote electoral literacy and encourage citizens to exercise their fundamental rights to votes.

The intent behind the BLO E-Patrika is to ensure a cascading information model for a better informed and motivated booth level officer, who play an important role in the election management process, starting from the revision of the voter list at the grassroots level.

Praising the role of BLOs in strengthening democracy at the grassroots, Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha, Nikunj Bihari Dhal said that this will motivate the officers at the booth level to perform their duties with utmost sincerity. “In the upcoming simultaneous elections, these officers will work as vigilant watchmen of democracy,” he said, while describe them as the ‘unsung heroes’.

The mascot had earlier found place in different outreach programmes, interactive sessions and educational materials.

The General Election 2024 will be conducted in seven phases, starting from April 19 and concluding on June 1, in 22 states and union territories. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. Odisha’s 147-member assembly will undergo polling in four phases on May 13 20, 25, and June 1.