Election Commission of India (ECI) : In the past, voter registration was a cumbersome process that involved visiting the nearest revenue office and submitting an application. The applicant would then have to wait to find out if their application had been successful. Only when the voter list was published would they know if they were eligible to vote. All of this has changed thanks to the ECI’s use of technology.
The ECI has now digitized almost all of its services and functions. This includes voter registration, correction of errors, transfer of votes, etc. Now, you can do all this from the comfort of your home online. Not only that, but you can also find out your polling station, how to get there, details of the candidates and their criminal cases, and even file complaints online.
Here are some of the key initiatives that the ECI has taken to improve the electoral process using technology:
- National Voters Service Portal (NVSP): This portal allows you to register as a voter, make corrections to your voter information, find your polling station, and more.
- Electeroral Roll Net (ERO Net): This is a secure network that allows authorized personnel to access and update electoral roll data.
- Electronic Postal Ballot (e-PBal): This system allows service voters to cast their votes electronically.
- Voter Helpline Mobile App: This app allows voters to find their polling station, check their voter information, and track the status of their application.
- Observer app (2019): Polling observers can use this app to file their reports.
- C-vigil App (2018): This app allows citizens to report electoral malpractices.
- SUMOHA App: This app was introduced in 2020 to enable Returning Officers to file nominations electronically.
- Know Your Candidate (KYC) mobile app (2023): This app allows voters to access information about candidates, including their affidavits, criminal cases, and assets.
- PwD App (formerly Persons with Disabilities App): This app allows people with disabilities to get assistance in reaching polling stations and casting their votes.
- e-EPIC/ Digital Voter ID Card (2021): This is a digital version of the EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card). Voters can download their e-EPIC to their mobile phones and use it as an identity document at polling stations.
- Garuda App (2020): This app is for polling booth officials. It allows them to map polling booths, conduct field inspections, and upload photos and videos of documents.
- ERONET (EROnet – Electoral Registration Officers Net): This is a network that allows electoral registration officers to access and update electoral roll data.
These are just a few of the ways in which the ECI is using technology to improve the electoral process in India. These initiatives have made it easier for people to register to vote, cast their votes, and get information about the elections. They have also helped to reduce electoral malpractices.
The ECI’s use of technology is making elections in India more efficient, inclusive, and transparent. This is important for a democracy like India, where a large number of people participate in the electoral process.
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