The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated 21 new measures over the last 100 days to improve the voting process. These initiatives aim to enhance voter experience and streamline election management. The steps include procedural reforms, training programs, and collaboration with stakeholders in the election process. These actions were taken under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar, during his first 100 days in office.
One of the key reforms is the reduction of the maximum number of voters at polling stations from 1,500 to 1,200. This change aims to make voting more accessible, especially in densely populated areas like gated communities and high-rise colonies. The ECI’s goal is to ensure that no voter has to travel more than 2 kilometers to cast their vote.
Additionally, voter information slips have been redesigned to include clearer details, such as the serial number and part number. To further assist voters, mobile deposit facilities will be set up at the entrances of polling stations. Candidates can now campaign within 100 meters of polling station entrances, compared to the previous limit of 200 meters.
To simplify access to election services, the ECI has developed an integrated dashboard called ECINET. This dashboard will replace the existing 40+ apps and websites, allowing all stakeholders to access necessary services from a single point. Some modules of ECINET will be available during the upcoming by-elections, with full functionality expected ahead of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.
The ECI has also started direct integration of death registration data from the Registrar General of India. This will allow for timely removal of deceased voters from the electoral rolls. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will continue to play a crucial role in this verification process.
In line with the Representation of the People Act of 1950, a special brief voter list correction program has been initiated ahead of the by-elections. This is the first such effort to be conducted before the by-elections.
The ECI has organized 4,719 meetings nationwide with over 28,000 representatives from various political parties. This effort aims to enhance dialogue with political stakeholders and strengthen institutional processes. Meetings have also been held with leaders from recognized political parties, including AAP, BJP, BSP, CPI(M), and NPP, to discuss strategies for upcoming elections.
Training programs for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Supervisors have been expanded. The India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) has trained over 3,500 BLOs and Supervisors, with a target of training more than 100,000 in the coming years. This trained personnel will subsequently educate over 10.5 lakh volunteers within the BLO network.
As part of the training, all BLOs will receive certified photo ID cards for easier identification. Training sessions have also been organized for media officers in the CEO Media Cell, focusing on enhancing communication quality with the public.
A comprehensive training framework has been developed for 28 categories of stakeholders involved in the election process, including political parties, candidates, and election officers. This training will be based on the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and ECI guidelines.
Among other initiatives, biometric attendance has been implemented at the ECI headquarters, and the e-office system has been activated to improve operational efficiency. Regular review meetings at the CEO level have also begun to enhance internal coordination.
These new initiatives by the ECI aim to address the challenges faced in the electoral process and ensure a more transparent, efficient, and voter-friendly system for upcoming elections, including the crucial Bihar Legislative Assembly elections.
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