CONTENTS
- Suvidha Portal
- Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference
Suvidha Portal
Context:
Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 73,000 applications have been received on the Suvidha Portal, with more than 44,600 requests approved.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Suvidha Portal by Election Commission of India (ECI)
Purpose and Objective
- The Suvidha portal serves as a technological tool developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to uphold democratic values by ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Functionality
- The portal streamlines the process for political parties and candidates to request permissions and facilities during elections.
- Requests are transparently prioritized based on the “First in First Out” principle.
Services Offered
- The Suvidha Portal facilitates permissions for various activities including:
- Organizing rallies
- Setting up temporary party offices
- Door-to-door canvassing
- Utilizing video vans and helicopters
- Obtaining vehicle permits
- Distributing pamphlets
Ease of Use
- Political parties and candidates can conveniently submit permission requests online via the Suvidha Portal.
- For broader accessibility, offline options are also available.
IT Infrastructure
- The Suvidha Portal is supported by a robust IT platform managed by designated nodal officers, ensuring efficient and prompt processing of requests.
Companion App Features
- A dedicated Suvidha companion app enables applicants to monitor the real-time status of their requests, further enhancing transparency and user convenience.
Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference
Context:
Recently, Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference took place in New Delhi.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Overview of Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference
Purpose
- The Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference is designed to brainstorm and introduce innovative ideas, initiatives, and reforms to enhance Jointness and Integration efforts among the armed forces.
Leadership
- The conference is chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan.
Significance
- This marks the inaugural conference where Heads of all Tri-Services Institutions come together, highlighting its importance and novelty.
Background on Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Establishment
- The position of CDS was established in 2019 based on the recommendations of a defence expert committee led by Lt General DB Shekatkar.
First Appointment
- General Bipin Rawat was the first individual to hold the position of CDS in India.
Roles and Responsibilities of the CDS
Operational Synergy
- The primary responsibility of the CDS is to promote operational synergy among the various branches of the Indian military.
Department Head
- The CDS serves as the Head of the Department of Military Affairs within the Ministry of Defence.
Advisory Role
- The CDS acts as the singular military adviser to the Defence Minister and holds an advisory position within the Nuclear Command Authority.
