Election Commission Reforms: 17 New Reforms Announced by EC Before Bihar Elections

Election Commission Reforms: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced 17 new reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, accuracy, and voter convenience ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. These reforms will be implemented on a pilot basis in Bihar and, if successful, will be rolled out nationwide. This move is expected to further strengthen the electoral process and boost voter confidence.

Key Reforms

These reforms primarily focus on four main areas: purification of electoral rolls, technological integration, enhanced transparency, and improved voter facilities and security.

• Training of Booth Level Agents (BLAs): Booth Level Agents of political parties will now receive formal training on the election process, electoral roll revision, and the collection of Form 17C. This will increase trust and reduce disputes among parties.
• Training of Booth Level Officers (BLOs): Over 7,000 Booth Level Officers and Supervisors from Bihar will undergo intensive training in New Delhi. The aim is to standardize voter verification and roll management.
• Training of Police Officers: Special modules have been created to sensitize police officers on election duty about electoral laws and the Model Code of Conduct. This will help ensure a peaceful and impartial election.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls: A comprehensive verification of voter lists has been conducted in Bihar after 22 years, resulting in a “purified” roll of 7.42 crore electors. This process will be implemented nationwide.
• Enhanced Remuneration and Honoraria: The pay for Booth Level Officers has been doubled, and new honoraria for EROs and AEROs have been introduced to boost morale and efficiency.
• Free & Timely Delivery of EPIC (Voter ID) Card: Voter ID cards will now be delivered free of charge within 15 days of any update, with SMS tracking available at each stage.
• Identity Cards for BLOs: To enhance transparency and public trust, Booth Level Officers will now be issued standard photo ID cards.
• Mobile Deposit Facility: Counters will be set up outside polling stations for voters to safely deposit their mobile phones, ensuring convenience without compromising the secrecy of the ballot.
• Clearer Voter Information Slips (VIS): Voter Information Slips have been redesigned to make the serial number, part number, and booth details bold and legible, simplifying the voter identification process.
• ECINet Digital Platform: A one-stop digital ecosystem has been created by merging all EC applications. Presiding officers will upload turnout data every 2 hours for real-time transparency.
• 100% Webcasting of Polling Stations: Every polling booth in Bihar will be under live video surveillance to deter malpractices and ensure quick redressal of complaints.
• Colour Photographs of Candidates on EVM Ballots: For the first time, EVM ballots will display colour photographs of candidates to help voters easily identify them, especially in low-literacy regions.
• Allowing Mobile Phones up to Outer Area: Voters will be allowed to carry mobile phones up to the outer area of the polling station, but not inside the voting compartment.
• Polling Agent Booths within 100 Metres: Political parties can now set up their booths within 100 metres of polling stations, which will improve oversight of party agents’ activities.
• Voter-to-Booth Ratio & Booth Norms: To reduce crowding, each polling booth will have a stricter cap of 1,200 voters. More auxiliary booths will be created if needed.
• Regulation of Canvassing and Campaign Activity: New norms for loudspeakers and banners near booths and time limits for last-minute campaigning will be implemented to ensure a fairer and quieter voting atmosphere.

These reforms are expected to mark a significant overhaul in the Indian electoral system, increasing the credibility of the electoral process and enhancing voter trust and participation.