28 reforms in six-month to modernise elections in India

RELEASED: 19 Aug 2025, 09:30 PM IST
LAST UPDATE: 19 Aug 2025, 09:55 PM IST

In a vibrant transfer to reinforce the nation’s democratic structure, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has actually carried out around 28 sweeping reforms over 6 months. These actions cover stakeholder engagement, innovation adoption, extensive electoral roll modification, simpler ballot, and institutional capability structure for future elections.

Check Out: Special extensive modification of electoral rolls to start in Odisha in September after 24 years

According to the ECI sources, these reforms, structured around 6 tactical pillars, goal to boost openness, citizen self-confidence, and institutional performance throughout the electoral procedure in the nation.

Stakeholder engagement acquires momentum: 4,719 all-party conferences were held nationwide, engaging more than 28,000 political agents, making sure inclusivity in electoral preparation. The Commission likewise carried out 20 top-level conferences with celebration presidents and senior state/national leaders to cultivate much better coordination.

System enhancing and clean-up: A minimum of 476 non-active Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) were recognized for delisting, with 334 currently gotten rid of in stage one. Functions of 28 election stakeholders mapped to pertinent laws and policies for much better responsibility. Image ID cards provided to BLOs to improve openness. EVM microcontroller confirmation SOPs were presented for 5% of devices post-results. National legal conferences accepted counsels and CEOs to enhance ECI’s legal structure. International outreach through conferences with worldwide Election Management Bodies carried out throughout the IDEA Stockholm Conference.

Tech-driven improvement: ECINET, a one-stop digital platform, was released by incorporating more than 40 existing ECI apps/websites. Hundred percent webcasting is mandated at ballot stations for real-time tracking. Real-time citizen turnout updates were prepared to be offered every 2 hours by means of the ECINET App. Digital Index Cards are now offered at the constituency level for simple access to election information. Compulsory VVPAT slip count imposed in cases of information inequality or unerased mock survey information.

Electoral roll filtration: Unique extensive modification of citizen rolls finished in Bihar. Summary roll modification performed before bypolls in 4 states– very first such relocation in twenty years. Death registration information related to citizen rolls for automated updates. Replicate EPIC numbers gotten rid of nationwide. Impressive shipment SOP makes sure cards are provided within 15 days, with SMS signals to citizens at each phase.

Enhancing ease of ballot: Cellphone deposit counters established outside ballot stations. Ballot station citizen cap set at 1,200 to decrease crowding and lines. Clearer Voter Information Slips (VIS) were presented with improved format. Prospect cubicles were enabled beyond 100 meters from ballot stations for citizen assistance.

Capability structure for authorities & & stakeholders: Over 7,000 BLOs and managers trained at IIIDEM, New Delhi. Reimbursement was increased for BLOs, managers, and ballot personnel. Novice honorariums presented for EROs and AEROs. Training for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) was carried out in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Media and authorities training sessions are held to guarantee smooth electoral interaction and police. Internal upgrades were presented, that include biometric presence, e-Office migration, and moving to IIIDEM for functional effectiveness.