ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI) MOBILE APPS TO HELP CITIZENS IN A BIG WAY

RESIDENTS SHOULD TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THESE APPS FOR STRENGTHENING OUR DEMOCRACY: DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER Ludhiana, April 5, 2019: In a novel way to ensure the electoral participation of the techno-savvy youth besides simplifying the poll related works and bringing its functioning in tune with the changing times, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has gone for multiple initiatives in IT sphere. These novel initiatives involve starting of many mobile voter-friendly apps, Websites as well as Helpline. These can be used by candidates and political parties to submit mandatory filings/statements or request certain permissions apart from being extremely helpful to the citizens. Disclosing this here today, the District Election Officer (DEO) Ludhiana Mr Pradeep Kumar Agrawal informed that one of the App launched by ECI is Suvidha App. It's a single window system for both candidates and political parties to apply for permissions before conducting meetings, rallies, etc. This can also be done through the Android app. The ECI has also issued directions to give permissions within 24 hours once candidates/parties make a request. The DEO Ludhiana further added that another important app is cVIGIL which provides time-stamped, evidence-based proof of the Model Code of Conduct / Expenditure Violation, having live photo/video with auto location data. Any citizen can lodge a complaint through the Mobile App. Flying Squads then investigate the matter and the Returning Officer takes the decision. The status of cVIGIL can be shared with the cVIGIL complainant within a specified time limit. Another new Android-based mobile app called ‘Voter Helpline’ has also been launched. This App provides convenience to all citizens for finding their names in the electoral roll, submitting online forms, checking the status of the application, filing complaints and receiving the reply on their mobile app besides knowing the contact details of Booth Level Officers, Electoral Registration Officers and District Election Officers, by using the Voter Helpline Mobile App or through www.nvsp.in Portal or by calling 1950 Helpline Number. In the same line, services through SMS can also be availed by citizens by sending SMS without any cost to 1950. All forms, results, candidate affidavits, press notes, voter awareness, and important instructions are available through the mobile app. Mr Pradeep Kumar Agrawal also divulged that ‘PwD App’ has also been launched to enable Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to request for new registration, change in address, change in particulars and mark themselves as PwD through the use of the mobile application was also launched. By simply entering their contact details, the Booth Level Officer is assigned to provide doorstep facility. PwDs can also request for a wheelchair during polling. He expressed hope that the use of IT would make it easier for people to participate in the electoral process by enrolling as a voter and also assist in the conduct of free and fair elections by reporting violations. He urged people to use these IT interventions and play a pro-active role in the strengthening of democracy.