13th National Voters’ Day | 27 Jan 2023

Why in News?

Election Commission of India is celebrating 13th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on 25th January 2023.

What are the Key Points of NVD 2023?

  • Theme: Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure.
  • Awards 2023: National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices were presented to State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2022.
  • About NVD:
    • The main objective behind the celebration is to encourage, facilitate, and maximize enrolment, especially for new voters.
    • The day has been celebrated every year since 2011 across the country to mark the foundation of the Election Commission of India (25th January 1950).
    • It not only encourages the youth to participate in the electoral process but also focuses that the Right to vote as the basic right.
    • NVD is a significant root of India as the future of the country lies in the leader that we choose.

What is the Election Commission of India?

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
    • ECI was established on 25th January 1950.
  • The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.
  • Structure of the Commission:
    • Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body.
    • The commission presently consists of one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
    • The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q1. Right to vote and to be elected in India is a (2017)

(a) Fundamental Right
(b) Natural Right 
(c) Constitutional Right
(d) Legal Right

Ans: (c)

Q2. Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a Fundamental Duty? (2011)

(a) To vote in public elections
(b) To develop the scientific temper
(c) To safeguard public property
(d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals

Ans: (a)

Source: PIB