The ECI is a constitutional body established on January 25, 1950. Its primary responsibility is to administer the election processes in India, ensuring that elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and other elections mandated by the Constitution are conducted fairly and impartially.
Since the inaugural general election in 1951-52, the ECI has undergone significant transformations. Initially led by a single Chief Election Commissioner, it now comprises multiple commissioners. Key innovations such as Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), and electronic electoral photo identity cards (e-EPIC) have modernized the voting process, thereby enhancing electoral integrity.
The ECI has implemented crucial reforms, including the introduction of EVMs to mitigate “booth capturing,” the deployment of VVPAT systems to promote transparency, and the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 years. These reforms have expanded the electorate and improved the verifiability of the electoral process.
Controversies surrounding the ECI often center on the security of EVMs and concerns regarding their potential misuse. Additionally, criticisms have been directed at the perceived commodification of elections and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, which some argue is either overreaching or inconsistently applied.
In light of security concerns regarding EVMs, the ECI has introduced VVPAT systems. These systems enable voters to confirm their votes cast on an EVM through a physical paper trail, thereby aiming to bolster trust and transparency in the electronic voting process.
T.N. Seshan is renowned for his vigorous enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and for introducing electors’ photo identity cards (EPICs). His leadership marked a pivotal shift towards stricter oversight of elections and electoral practices, earning him a reputation for promoting stringent governance.
Previously, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners were appointed solely by the President of India. Recent legislative changes have established a selection committee for these appointments, although this committee does not include the Chief Justice of India as previously suggested by the Supreme Court. These developments highlight the ECI’s evolving role in shaping and safeguarding Indian democracy through continuous adaptation and reform.
Q1. What is the role of the Election Commission of India?
Answer: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for administering elections in India, ensuring transparency, fairness, and adherence to electoral laws during the electoral process.
Q2. How has technology influenced Indian elections?
Answer: Technology has transformed Indian elections through the introduction of EVMs and VVPAT systems, enhancing voting efficiency and ensuring greater transparency in the electoral process.
Q3. What is the significance of VVPAT in elections?
Answer: VVPAT (Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) allows voters to verify their votes through a paper trail, reinforcing trust and accountability in the electronic voting system.
Q4. Who was T.N. Seshan?
Answer: T.N. Seshan was a former Chief Election Commissioner known for implementing strict measures to uphold electoral integrity and introducing significant reforms such as the EPIC.
Q5. How are Election Commissioners appointed in India?
Answer: Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India, with recent changes introducing a selection committee to oversee the appointment process.
Question 1: What is the primary function of the Election Commission of India?
A) Conducting census
B) Administering elections
C) Implementing laws
D) Formulating policies
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which technology was introduced to ensure transparency in elections?
A) VVPAT
B) Internet Voting
C) Manual Voting
D) Optical Scanning
Correct Answer: A
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