Election Commission of India (ECI) announced three major initiatives to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls and enhance voter services.
These reforms were introduced after Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) held in March 2025, under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with other Election Commissioners.
Key Reforms
Electronic Integration of Death Registrations
- ECI will electronically acquire death registration data from the Registrar General of India.
- Legal basis:
- Rule 9, Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Section 3(5)(b), Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (amended in 2023).
- Process:
- Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will receive timely death updates.
- Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will verify deaths via field visits.
- No need to wait for Form 7 applications to delete deceased voters from the rolls.
- Impact:
Improves the integrity and accuracy of the electoral rolls by promptly removing names of deceased persons.
Redesigned Voter Information Slip (VIS)
- Voter Information Slip has been redesigned to improve the voter experience.
- New features:
- Larger fonts for serial number and part number.
- Helps voters easily locate their polling stations.
- Assists polling officials in faster identification of voter entries.
Standard Photo Identity Cards for BLOs
- All Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be issued official photo ID cards.
- Legal basis:
- BLOs are appointed under Section 13B(2), Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Purpose:
- Ensure BLOs are easily recognizable during house-to-house visits.
- Boost voter confidence and improve outreach during verification and registration.
Significance of Reforms
- Strengthens electoral integrity and transparency.
- Uses technology and administrative measures to improve voter services.
- Ensures every eligible citizen can vote confidently and conveniently.
- Reflects ECI’s continuous commitment to protecting the sanctity of the electoral process.
About Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Established: 25 January 1950
- Constitutional Body: Under Article 324 of the Constitution of India
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Purpose: Conducts free, fair, and impartial elections in India at the national, state, and local levels.
- Functions:
- Conduct elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and Legislative Councils
- Conduct elections to President and Vice President of India
- Prepare and update electoral rolls
- Recognize political parties and allot election symbol
- Monitor election campaigns, expenditure, and ensure compliance with Model Code of Conduct
- Composition:
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) + two Election Commissioners
- They enjoy equal powers; decisions made by majority.
- Current CEC (2025): Gyanesh Kumar
- Tenure: 6 years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier
- Important Day: 25 January celebrated as National Voters’ Day