JAMMU, MAR 20: In a remarkable series of initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s election processes, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has made significant strides in just one month under the leadership of Gyanesh Kumar, the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Alongside Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, the ECI has ensured the active involvement of political parties, election authorities, and over 1 crore election officials across the country.
The ECI’s efforts focus on improving participation, voter experience, and transparency in the electoral process. A notable step is the planned digital training for election officials, aimed at capacity building and fostering a more effective election workforce. Nearly 5000 all-party meetings have been conducted with election authorities at the levels of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), District Election Officers (DEOs), and Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs).
The ECI has also introduced a legal framework to address claims and objections concerning electoral rolls. Since the completion of the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise in January 2025, only 89 first appeals and a single second appeal have been filed, underscoring the smooth functioning of the process. The Commission remains committed to eliminating duplication in voter identification numbers (EPICs) and aims to resolve the longstanding issue nationwide within three months.
The ECI has also laid out measures to ensure that no polling station has more than 1,200 electors, with each polling station being within 2 kilometers of voters. For urban areas, polling stations will be set up within high-rise buildings and residential colonies to encourage higher voter participation. Furthermore, basic facilities will be guaranteed even in the most remote rural polling stations.
A two-day conference in March 2025, attended by Chief Electoral Officers from all states and Union Territories, marked the launch of comprehensive training programs for nearly 1 crore election officials. These sessions focused on improving the election machinery, with clear roles assigned to 28 key stakeholders. A new suite of digital training tools—including language-specific kits, animated videos, and an integrated dashboard—will facilitate the training of election officials at the grassroots level, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
In his address, CEC Gyanesh Kumar stressed the importance of involving political parties in the election process. He announced that regular all-party meetings would be held by the 36 CEOs, 788 DEOs, and 4,123 EROs nationwide, with the goal of resolving any issues raised by political parties at the grassroots level. These meetings will be completed by 31st March 2025.
The ECI has also extended an invitation to political parties to provide feedback on election processes and laws, including claims and objections to the electoral rolls. Political parties are encouraged to submit their suggestions by April 30, 2025 and are also invited to meet the Commission in Delhi at their convenience.
