Background Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a Republic. The Constitution of India, under Article 324, provides for an independent and autonomous Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections. Initially, the ECI consisted of only one Election Commissioner. However, after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989, it was converted into a multi-member body, comprising a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The evolution of electoral roll revision has been a continuous process, starting with manual methods and progressing to computerized systems. The introduction of technology aims to enhance accuracy and efficiency in voter registration and prevent malpractices.
Current Developments
Recent developments in electoral roll management include the increased use of technology, such as AI and data analytics, to identify discrepancies and improve the accuracy of voter lists. The Election Commission has been focusing on enhancing voter participation through various awareness campaigns and initiatives, including the use of social media and mobile applications. In the past 2-3 years, there has been a growing emphasis on ensuring inclusivity and accessibility of the electoral process for all citizens, especially marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. The future outlook involves further integration of technology to streamline the electoral process and enhance transparency and accountability.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI):
1. The ECI is a multi-member body since its inception.
2. Article 324 of the Constitution provides for an independent ECI.
3. The Election Commissioners 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?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as the ECI was initially a single-member body. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as per the Constitution and established procedures.
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India?
A) To determine the constituencies' boundaries after every census.
B) To prepare and periodically revise electoral rolls.
C) To conduct elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President.
D) To advise the President on matters relating to the disqualification of Members of Parliament.
- To determine the constituencies' boundaries after every census.
- To prepare and periodically revise electoral rolls.
- To conduct elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President.
- To advise the President on matters relating to the disqualification of Members of Parliament.
Explanation: While the ECI conducts elections and prepares electoral rolls, advising the President on matters of disqualification of MPs is not its direct function. This falls under the purview of the President in consultation with the ECI.
Question 3
Consider the following statements:
1. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 deals with the actual conduct of elections.
2. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and state legislatures.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 deals with the allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with the actual conduct of elections, and qualifications/disqualifications.
Question 4
Assertion (A): The Election Commission of India has been increasingly using technology in the electoral process.
Reason (R): Technology helps in improving efficiency, transparency, and accuracy in voter registration and election management.
In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- A is true, but R is false.
- A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason correctly explains why the Election Commission is increasingly using technology.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI)?
1. The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections.
2. The ECI can be directed by the ruling party to remove voters from electoral rolls.
3. The ECI's decisions are subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India. It is independent of the ruling party and its decisions are subject to judicial review. Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair elections. Critically analyze the challenges faced by the ECI in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in the context of increasing technological advancements and allegations of political interference.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
According to the news report, approximately how many names were deleted after the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal?
- (a) 12.6 lakh
- (b) 58 lakh
- (c) 1.26 crore
- (d) 5.8 crore
Explanation: The news report states that approximately 58 lakh names were deleted after the first phase of the SIR.
PYQ 4 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
The Election Commission of India is a/an ______ body.
- (a) Statutory
- (b) Executive
- (c) Constitutional
- (d) Advisory
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a Constitutional body established by the Constitution of India.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is NOT a function of the Election Commission of India?
- (a) To conduct elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures
- (b) To prepare and maintain electoral rolls
- (c) To recognize political parties and allot election symbols
- (d) To advise the government on policy matters
Explanation: The Election Commission's primary function is to conduct elections and related activities, not to advise the government on policy matters.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
If allegations of electoral roll manipulation are proven, what is the likely impact on the banking sector?
- (a) No impact
- (b) Increased lending activity
- (c) Decreased investor confidence and potential economic instability
- (d) Higher interest rates
Explanation: Electoral fraud can undermine investor confidence and lead to economic instability, indirectly impacting the banking sector.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Election Commission?
- (a) Article 320
- (b) Article 322
- (c) Article 323
- (d) Article 324
Explanation: Article 324 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Election Commission.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
The Chief Election Commissioner of India is appointed by whom?
- (a) The Prime Minister
- (b) The Parliament
- (c) The Supreme Court
- (d) The President
Explanation: The Chief Election Commissioner of India is appointed by the President of India.