The Indian Electoral Commission (NEC) at its meeting held today under the chairmanship of Chief Electoral Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and EC Sh Anup Chandra Pandey, noted the details of the CEC’s visit to one of the most remote polling stations in Dumak and Kalgoth in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Sh Anup C Pandey added details from his rich experience as DM Pithoragarh.
Voting groups walk 18 miles [18 km] in a hilly area from three days before polling day. They also manage and protect all electoral priorities including EVMs and VVPATs. There are 440 Remote / Difficult Voting Centers (P-minus3 category) where they take 3 days of difficult commute to get to the Voting Centers.
During the consultation process, the CEC was informed that remote areas such as Dumak village have 71.14% of the electorate and Kalgoth district recorded 80.45% of the vote in the recent elections. Women voters participate in equal numbers. It was also noted that in districts such as Dumak and Kalgoth, about 20-25% of registered voters are unable to vote in their constituencies as they need to leave their constituency because of their activities or education. This situation opens up the possibility of exploring the possibilities of the highly anticipated jump to facilitate remote voting by immigrant voters.
The Commission also noted that in contrast, by 2019 a number of urban constituencies saw poor voter turnout, less than 50%. The Commission noted with concern the low turnout in some metropolitan areas despite the fact that polling stations are located within 2km of every voter in urban areas. The need to address the neglect of voting in urban areas became apparent.
After detailed discussions, the following was decided by the Commission:
•India’s Electoral Commission records its deepest gratitude for the active participation and high participation of voters in these remote Dumak and Kalgoth areas and villages in a similar manner, contributing to India’s vibrant democracy. The ECI also applauds the commitment, determination and faith of a dedicated team of Voting officials in keeping the hope and democratic spirit prevailing.
•With the sympathy and commitment of the electoral staff conducting the election work in remote and difficult areas, the Commission decided to double the salaries of voting officers to go to the polls within 3 days (so far the remuneration of voting officers has been equal) same diem value for all equally). The Chief Electoral Officers of the countries and UTs will specifically inform those PSs to receive improved salaries during the election. Over the years, various new roads have been built in rural areas.
• The Commission noted that although the EVM-VVPAT equipment is technically designed to initiate an ‘Unauthorized Access Mode’ whenever there is an unauthorized attempt to unlock the equipment (and thus unusable due to a one-time configuration chip). The Commission decided to make special water / proof of terror, protective backpacks / cases of carrying EVM-VVPATs and protection equipment provided to all these groups to help move freely in difficult terrain.
•The Commission also instructed all DEO / ROs to visit the P-3 Polling Station premises one year before the National Assembly or Parliamentary Elections. CEOs will also visit polling stations themselves. The Commission also directed that all DEO / ROs identify at least five constituencies in each constituency. They will visit these booths to identify the factors that cause the low turnout and to take interventions to reduce the factors that affect the voting process.
• In order to address the problem of voting in urban areas, the Commission decided to conduct awareness campaigns in this regard, and the Commission noted that under the Negotiable Instruments Act, voting day has been declared a public holiday for the purpose of assisting staff voting. All Central / Provincial Government Departments / CPSUs / Provincial PSUs and Business Organizations with more than 500 employees will appoint an official to ensure that leave is available but not voted. There will be special voter education awareness sessions and election participation for non-voting members of these organizations.
• In addition, the Commission will continue to immediately bring home EPI Cards to newly registered voters for the first time. It would be their job to do the same. Campaigns for voter education and election participation will be conducted for young voters.
• Voters move from their registered places to cities and other places for education, employment and other purposes. It is difficult for them to return to their registered polling stations to vote. The Commission felt that the time had come to look into the possibility of remote voting, perhaps by means of a test. A Committee will be established to look into the issues of immigrant voters. Given the fact that Voters and Political Parties are the main stakeholders, extensive consultation with all stakeholders including the Political Parties will begin thereafter.
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