Mobile app helps track 67 poll code violations in just 20 days in Thane district

THANE: As many as 67 cases of poll code violations across the three Lok Sabha constituencies in Thane district have been reported in the last 20 days. This has been possible because of the cVIGIL mobile application which was introduced recently.

The app is the first-of-its-kind digital medium where citizens can report of any poll code violation. It was introduced ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Through the app, citizens and activists can click images and instantly alert the election department which will take action against the violators. Most violations that were reported pertain to putting up illegal banners, posters or any publicity material without permission from the local and election department, said an official.

The data compiled by the election commission of India revealed that nearly 88% of the cases reported were found to be true. Visual evidence was also presented earlier but its veracity was always under question while the app service records the location and time of the violation, ruling out any objection at a later stage.

“Earlier people used to alert us through phone calls or other mediums. We used to attend to their complaints but many times the violators used to escape action. The new initiative helps us instantly know of the location where the violation has taken place and take corrective steps immediately,” said an official from the election department.

Meanwhile, data available with the department shows that the highest number of complaints were reported in Thane Lok Sabha constituency, followed by Kalyan and Bhiwandi.

As many as 42 complaints were received only in Thane constituency, which comprises of Airoli, Belapur, Kopri- Pachpakhadi, Mira -Bhayandar, Owala- Majiwada and Thane assembly constituencies. Kalyan witnessed just 20 complaints, while Bhiwandi saw 5 cases being registered. Activists have also welcomed the initiative saying that there has to be better vigilance of political parties who would otherwise be seen defacing the city with banners and posters.

Citizen activist Mahesh Bedekar said that he was happy to see that citizens are coming forward to report violations and this will serve as a very strong message to political parties that commoners will not tolerate any wrongdoings.

“I am glad that residents have taken up the initiative. More citizens must start using the app and realise its importance and force political parties to start following norms,” said Bedekar.