Assam, 23rd May : In a significant move to enhance voter convenience on polling days, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a new mobile deposit facility that will be available just outside polling stations. This initiative comes as part of the ECI’s ongoing efforts to streamline voting processes and ensure a seamless experience for all voters, particularly senior citizens, women, and persons with disabilities (PwD).
The directive aligns with the provisions outlined in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. Recognizing the challenges that many voters face regarding mobile phone management during elections, the ECI has established a system where mobile phones must be deposited prior to entering polling stations. This decision is grounded in the growing prevalence of mobile phone usage across both urban and rural demographics.
Under the new regulations, voters will be required to deposit their mobile phones in simple pigeonhole boxes or jute bags located at the entrance of polling stations. Importantly, mobile phones are prohibited within 100 meters of the polling station unless they are switched off. However, in specific cases where local circumstances may warrant it, the Returning Officer has the discretion to exempt certain polling stations from this provision.
To ensure the integrity and secrecy of voting, Rule 49M of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which safeguards the confidentiality of the voting process, will continue to be rigorously enforced. This measure is designed to protect the sanctity of the election process while accommodating the practical needs of voters.
Alongside the mobile deposit facility, the ECI has also rationalized the norms for canvassing on election day. Candidates are now permitted to set up booths to issue unofficial identity slips beyond the 100-meter radius from polling stations. This adjustment will help ensure that voters who may not have their official Voter Information Slips (VIS) can still access assistance without compromising the election process.
The ECI, under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the legal framework governing elections while continuously innovating to enhance voter facilities. These changes reflect the ECI’s dedication to making the voting experience as inclusive and efficient as possible for all citizens.
As India navigates its democratic processes, these initiatives by the Election Commission highlight a forward-thinking approach to electoral administration, ensuring that every vote cast is a vote for progress.
