Make use of mobile apps during elections

Ludhiana: Deputy commissioner Ludhiana-cum-district election officer Pradeep Agrawal on Friday urged political parties and voters to use the Election Commission of India’s Suvidha app for permission-related tasks from the administration. Agrawal informed that the Suvidha app is a single window system for both candidates and political parties to apply for permissions before conducting meetings and rallies, and it is the fastest way to get permissions processed, as ECI has already issued directions to give permissions within 24 hours once candidates/parties make a request. He expressed the hope that the use of IT would make it easier for people to participate in the electoral process by enrolling as a voter, and also assist in the conduct of free and fair elections by reporting violations.
Giving more information, Agrawal said: “Another important app, c-Vigil, provides time-stamped, evidence-based proof of the model code of conduct, expenditure violation, having live photo/video with auto-location data. Any citizen can lodge a complaint through the mobile app, and after this, flying squads investigate the matter, and the returning officer takes the decision. The status of c-Vigil can be shared with the complainant within a specified time limit.

Another android-based mobile app called Voter Helpline has also been launched by ECI, and this app provides convenience to all citizens to find their names in the electoral roll and other services. Submitting online forms, checking the status of the application, filing complaints, and receiving reply on their mobile app, besides knowing the contact details of booth-level officers, electoral registration officers, and district election officers, by using the Voter Helpline mobile app, or through www.nvsp.in portal, or by calling ‘1950’ helpline number. In the same line, services through SMS can also be availed by citizens by sending SMS without any cost to 1950. All forms, results, candidate affidavits, press notes, voter awareness, and important instructions are available through the mobile app.

App for persons with disabilities

The DC also divulged that a PwD app too had been launched to enable persons with disabilities (PwDs) to request for new registration, change in address, change in particulars, and mark themselves as PwD through the use of the mobile application. By simply entering their contact details, a booth-level officer is assigned to provide doorstep facilities. PwDs can also request for a wheelchair during polling.