Koderma connects with voters through poll app

Ranchi: Launched less than a week ago, The Koderma district administration’s home-grown app ‘Election Management Koderma’ has managed to get over 11,000 downloads in the short period. Aimed at creating awareness among voters and encouraging residents to come ahead and participate in election awareness-related activities, the app has already registered 1,116 active citizens sharing initiatives like Selfie with Voter ID, slogans, awareness initiatives and unique innovations ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Talking to TOI, Koderma deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer Bhuvnesh Pratap Singh said: “The app was built by the officials of the district administration with basic know how of software development. Ever since the launch, we have had several hundred citizens coming forward to register as PwD Sahayaks (helpers) and have also donated wheelchairs for booths. With 27 days to go for polling, we have managed to crowdfund over 250 wheelchairs in the district through the app — which is one wheelchair for every two booths.”

The app is playing an instrumental role in promoting SVEEP (Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation) activities in the district. While 538 residents have uploaded selfies with their voter IDs on the app, 108 ‘Pics with Rangoli’, 112 slogans, 30 paintings and 83 pictures in front of booths have also been shared by voters on the app. Additionally, citizen initiatives, including 146 awareness activities and 60 unique innovations, have also been uploaded on the app.

“The unique feature of this app is that it encourages people to participate in the election process. We are identifying the citizens sharing their initiatives and activities through the app and giving them a certificate of recognition on a rolling basis. Even women from rural pockets, who were least expected to share their work, have also registered their presence by uploading selfies and rangoli pictures on the platform,” Singh added.

The app also has provisions for the voters of the district to check their name and booth location and apply for activities like Marathon for creating voter awareness. Links to other apps developed by the Election Commission including CVigil, PwD App, Voter Helpline App and Suvidha App are also inbuilt in the same.

“The app solves the basic problem of outreach. Earlier, it was not possible for the district administration to reach all volunteers and citizen workers willing to help with the SVEEP activities. The launch of the app has facilitated two way communication and people willing to work with us are able to approach us from their end through the app,” Singh added.