SVEEP: ECI

• 30 Aug 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) organized a two-day SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) Consultation Workshop.

Key Points

• SVEEP:
  
  • Started in 2009, as the flagship program of the ECI for voter education.
  • Primary goal is to build an inclusive & participative democracy by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote and make an informed decision & ethical choice.
• Other Related Initiatives Taken:
  
  • NOTA (None of the Above) Option:
    
    • By choosing NOTA, voters have the right to not to choose any nominated candidate.
  • Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail:
    
    • It is an independent verification printer machine and is attached to electronic voting machines. It allows voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate.
  • National Voters’ Day:
    
    • It has been celebrated on 25^th January every year since 2011 to mark the formation of ECI.
  • Decriminalization of Elections:
    
    • ECI and the Court have ensured together that the candidates declare their criminal record and any cases, pending or not.
  • cVIGIL App:
    
    • This app provides time-stamped, evidence-based proof of the Model Code of Conduct/Expenditure Violation, having live photo/video with auto location data.

Election Commission of India

• An autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
• Administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies and the offices of the President and Vice President.
• Part XV of the Indian constitution deals with elections, and establishes a commission for these matters.
• Article 324 to 329 of the constitution deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the members.
• Originally, it had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body.
• Presently, it consists of one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs) - appointed by the President.
• They hold office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Source: PIB