Context:
- ECINET (Election Commission Integrated Network) is a single-point digital dashboard being developed by the Election Commission (EC).
- It will consolidate over 40 existing apps/web portals into one interface for better accessibility and coordination.
- Partial rollout is expected during the June 19 byelections; full implementation targeted before the Bihar Assembly elections.
Relevance : GS 2(Elections , Reforms)
Purpose and Significance
- Aims to streamline election management and enhance transparency.
- Developed in response to opposition parties’ concerns over:
- Electoral roll anomalies.
- Duplicate voter ID card issues.
- Marks a standardisation drive under CEC Gyanesh Kumar, who assumed office on February 19.
Other Key Electoral Reforms and Tech Initiatives
- Direct integration with Registrar General of India for automatic removal of deceased voters.
- Training initiatives for:
- Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
- BLO Supervisors and Agents — over 3,500 trained so far to cascade to 10.5 lakh functionaries.
Polling Station Reforms
- Electors per polling station revised from 1,500 to 1,200.
- Additional polling booths to be set up in:
- High-density urban areas (e.g., gated societies, high-rises).
- Goal: No voter should travel more than 2 km to cast a vote.
Voter-Centric Improvements
- Redesigned voter information slips with:
- Better visibility of serial and part numbers.
- Mobile phone deposit facility to be available at all polling stations for voter convenience and poll integrity.
Stakeholder Engagement
- 4,719 meetings held nationwide with participation of over 28,000 political party representatives.
- Consultations held with major political parties like:
- AAP, BJP, BSP, CPI(M), NPP, etc.
- More meetings planned post current byelections.
Implications
- Reflects EC’s commitment to:
- Inclusive and participatory democracy.
- Technology-led governance and efficiency.
- May serve as a case study for election process digitisation and grassroots electoral reform.
