Background Context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a Republic. The constitutional basis for the ECI is found in Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for superintendence, direction, and control of elections to be vested in the ECI. Initially, the ECI was a single-member body, but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989, it became a multi-member body comprising a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The evolution of electoral rolls has been a continuous process, starting with simple paper-based lists to the current digitized and photo-inclusive electoral rolls. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951, along with subsequent amendments, have shaped the legal framework for voter registration and electoral processes, including provisions for deletion and correction of voter names.
Current Developments
In recent years, the ECI has focused on enhancing transparency and accessibility of electoral rolls through initiatives like the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP) and voter helpline apps. The introduction of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) and linking Aadhaar with voter IDs were aimed at improving voter authentication and reducing duplicate entries. However, the Aadhaar linking initiative faced scrutiny over privacy concerns and was made voluntary by the Supreme Court. The ECI has also been actively working on addressing issues related to voter turnout, especially among marginalized communities and migrant workers, through targeted awareness campaigns and facilitation measures. The use of technology, such as blockchain, for remote voting is being explored to further enhance voter participation in future elections.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI):
1. The ECI was established before India became a Republic.
2. Article 324 of the Constitution provides for the ECI's powers of superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
3. The Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989 made the ECI a multi-member body.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. The ECI was established on January 25, 1950, before India became a Republic on January 26, 1950. Article 324 provides the constitutional basis for the ECI. The Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989 changed the ECI from a single-member to a multi-member body.
Question 2
Which of the following measures has the Election Commission of India (ECI) NOT taken to enhance transparency and accessibility of electoral rolls?
- Introduction of the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP)
- Linking Aadhaar with voter IDs (currently voluntary)
- Mandatory linking of property ownership documents with voter IDs
- Introduction of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)
Explanation: The ECI has introduced NVSP, EPIC, and attempted to link Aadhaar with voter IDs (currently voluntary). However, mandatory linking of property ownership documents with voter IDs has not been implemented by the ECI.
Question 3
Assertion (A): The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to disclose the names of deleted voters in Kerala to ensure transparency.
Reason (R): Transparency in electoral rolls is crucial for upholding free and fair elections and preventing disenfranchisement.
In the context of the above statements, 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 true, and the reason correctly explains why the Supreme Court issued the directive. Transparency in electoral rolls is essential for free and fair elections.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2020 2020
Which of the following constitutional provisions empowers the Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair elections?
- (a) Article 320
- (b) Article 324
- (c) Article 326
- (d) Article 328
Explanation: Article 324 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of an Election Commission to superintend, direct and control the preparation of electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice President held under this Constitution.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 2023
Discuss the significance of ensuring transparency in electoral rolls for upholding the principles of free and fair elections. In light of the recent Supreme Court order directing the Election Commission to disclose deleted voter names in Kerala, analyze the potential impact of such measures on electoral integrity and voter participation.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which body is responsible for conducting elections in India?
- (a) Parliament
- (b) Supreme Court
- (c) Election Commission of India
- (d) President of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections in India.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
As per the recent Supreme Court order, which state's deleted voter names are to be published by the Election Commission?
- (a) Tamil Nadu
- (b) Karnataka
- (c) Kerala
- (d) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The Supreme Court has ordered the Election Commission to publish the deleted voter names of Kerala.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
What is the primary objective of the Supreme Court's order directing the Election Commission to disclose deleted voter names?
- (a) To delay the elections
- (b) To reduce the workload of the EC
- (c) To ensure transparency in the electoral process
- (d) To favor a particular political party
Explanation: The primary objective is to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
The Supreme Court's order regarding the disclosure of deleted voter names is related to which state?
- (a) Maharashtra
- (b) West Bengal
- (c) Kerala
- (d) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: The order is related to the state of Kerala.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following statements is true regarding the Election Commission of India?
- (a) It is a constitutional body.
- (b) It is an advisory body.
- (c) It is under the direct control of the President.
- (d) It can be dissolved by the Parliament at any time.
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
The recent Supreme Court order regarding the disclosure of deleted voter names aims to uphold which fundamental principle of elections?
- (a) Secrecy of voting
- (b) Universal adult franchise
- (c) Transparency and fairness
- (d) First-past-the-post system
Explanation: The order aims to uphold transparency and fairness in the electoral process.