Election Commission Reduces Webcasting Coverage for West Bengal By-Elections
The Election Commission revised down the number of booths with webcasting for West Bengal by-elections from 2,800 to 480.
Photo by Katja Anokhina
त्वरित संशोधन
ECI revised webcasting booths for West Bengal by-elections from 2,800 to 480.
Webcasting is used for transparency and preventing malpractices.
ECI states webcasting is not mandatory for all booths, only 'critical' or 'vulnerable' ones.
महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां
महत्वपूर्ण संख्याएं
दृश्य सामग्री
Webcasting Coverage Reduction for West Bengal By-Elections
This dashboard highlights the significant reduction in webcasting coverage for the upcoming by-elections in West Bengal, from the initially planned booths to the revised number, impacting transparency measures.
- Initial Webcasting Booths
- 2,800
- Revised Webcasting Booths
- 480-82.86%
- Purpose of Webcasting
- Transparency & Malpractice Prevention
The number of polling booths initially slated for webcasting, reflecting a broader intent for transparency.
The significantly reduced number of booths, raising concerns about transparency, especially in a state with a history of electoral violence.
Webcasting is a crucial tool for real-time monitoring, deterring electoral malpractices, and enhancing public trust in the election process.
West Bengal: Context of By-Elections and Electoral History
This map highlights West Bengal, the state where the Election Commission has reduced webcasting coverage for by-elections, providing geographic context and referencing its history of electoral violence.
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परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Constitutional provisions related to ECI (Article 324)
Powers, functions, and composition of ECI
Electoral reforms and the role of technology (webcasting, EVMs, VVPATs, cVIGIL)
Challenges to free and fair elections (electoral violence, money power, misinformation)
Role of ECI in maintaining electoral integrity and public trust
Judicial review of ECI decisions
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has significantly reduced the number of polling booths that will feature webcasting for the upcoming by-elections in West Bengal. Initially, 2,800 booths were slated for webcasting, but this number has been revised down to 480. This decision comes after a review, with the ECI stating that webcasting is not mandatory for all booths and is typically implemented in 'critical' or 'vulnerable' areas.
Webcasting is a crucial tool for ensuring transparency and preventing electoral malpractices, allowing real-time monitoring of polling activities. The reduction raises questions about the ECI's strategy for maintaining electoral integrity, especially in a state with a history of electoral violence.
पृष्ठभूमि
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. Consider the following statements regarding webcasting in elections and the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI's decision to implement webcasting in polling booths is derived from its constitutional power to superintend, direct, and control elections. 2. Webcasting is statutorily mandated for all polling booths across India to ensure complete transparency. 3. The ECI typically identifies 'critical' or 'vulnerable' polling areas for enhanced monitoring tools like webcasting based on various factors. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. Article 324 of the Constitution vests the ECI with the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections, which includes adopting measures like webcasting to ensure free and fair elections. Statement 2 is incorrect. The news explicitly states that webcasting is *not mandatory for all booths*. It's a tool used selectively. There is no statutory mandate for universal webcasting. Statement 3 is correct. The news mentions that webcasting is 'typically implemented in 'critical' or 'vulnerable' areas,' which aligns with ECI's standard practice for enhanced monitoring.
2. With reference to the Election Commission of India (ECI), consider the following statements: 1. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners have equal powers and receive equal salaries, allowances, and perquisites. 2. The Constitution specifies the term of office for the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. 3. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, provides for equal powers, salaries, and perquisites for the CEC and ECs. In case of difference of opinion, the matter is decided by majority. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Constitution does not specify the term of office for the CEC and ECs. It is determined by Parliament. Currently, they hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Statement 3 is correct. The Chief Election Commissioner enjoys security of tenure and can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court, i.e., by a special majority of both Houses of Parliament on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. Other Election Commissioners can be removed by the President on the recommendation of the CEC.
3. In the context of electoral reforms and the use of technology in Indian elections, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly by printing a slip for their review. 2. The cVIGIL application, launched by the ECI, enables citizens to report Model Code of Conduct violations in real-time. 3. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were first introduced in a general election across all constituencies in India in 1998. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
Statement 1 is correct. VVPAT is an independent vote verification system for EVMs, allowing voters to verify that their vote was cast correctly. Statement 2 is correct. cVIGIL is indeed a mobile application for citizens to report MCC violations, providing photo/video evidence with geo-tagging. Statement 3 is incorrect. EVMs were first used in a general election across all constituencies in India in 2004, not 1998. They were first used experimentally in a by-election in Parur Assembly Constituency, Kerala in 1982.