Election Commission Launches 21 New Initiatives in 100 Days to Enhance Voter Experience and Election Management

Udaipur, May 29, 2025 — In a sweeping move to reform electoral processes and improve voter services, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out 21 new initiatives over the past 100 days, aimed at strengthening the integrity, accessibility, and efficiency of elections across the country.

These reforms come shortly after Shri Gyanesh Kumar assumed office as the Chief Election Commissioner, and reflect a dynamic shift toward a people-centric, tech-driven, and responsive electoral framework, with support from Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi.

Key Reforms to Improve Voter Access and Participation

• The maximum number of voters per polling booth has been reduced from 1500 to 1200, easing crowding and enhancing voting convenience.

• Additional polling stations will be established in high-density areas such as multi-storey buildings and residential colonies.

• The ECI aims to ensure that no voter should have to travel more than 2 km to cast their vote.

• Voter Information Slips are now more user-friendly, clearly displaying serial numbers and part numbers.

• Mobile deposit facilities will be introduced at the entrance of each polling booth.

• Election campaign booths by candidates are now allowed within 100 meters of polling booths — previously the limit was 200 meters.

Embracing Technology: ECI Net and More

• The ECI has developed ECI Net, an integrated digital dashboard that consolidates all services, eliminating the need for over 40 separate apps and websites. Modules will be phased in, beginning with the current by-elections and fully deployed by the Bihar Assembly elections.

• A direct data integration system with the Registrar General of India (RGI) now ensures the timely and verified removal of deceased voters from electoral rolls.

• The e-Office platform and biometric attendance have been introduced at the Commission headquarters for improved administrative efficiency.

Voter List & Training Reforms

• A special summary revision of the electoral roll was conducted prior to by-elections under the RP Act, 1950, a first of its kind.

• The Commission has identified 28 key stakeholder groups and is creating customized training modules for each.

• Over 3,500 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Supervisors have been trained at IIIDEM (India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management).

• In the next 45 days, an additional 6,000 BLOs and supervisors will undergo training. The long-term target is to train 1 lakh BLO supervisors.

• All BLOs will be issued standardized photo ID cards for better field authentication.

Political Engagement at Scale

• A record 4,719 multi-party meetings have been held across the country, engaging more than 28,000 political representatives.

  • These include 40 meetings at CEO level, 800 at DEO level, and 3,879 at ERO level.

• The Commission has already held high-level meetings in Delhi with parties such as AAP, BJP, BSP, CPI(M), NPP, and plans further engagements post by-elections.

• Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from recognized political parties in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry have already received specialized training.

Legal and Institutional Strengthening

• A national conference of ECI lawyers and Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) was held in New Delhi, attended by senior advocates from the Supreme Court, 28 High Courts, and CEOs from all 36 states/UTs. The aim was to update legal frameworks in line with evolving electoral challenges.

Enhanced Internal Coordination and Communication

• Media orientation programs were conducted for media officers from CEO offices in all states/UTs, improving public communication.

• Police officers in Bihar underwent special election coordination training to boost multi-agency synergy.

• Regular review meetings between ECI headquarters and state CEOs have been institutionalized for efficient planning and execution.

The 21 Key Initiatives Launched (Feb 19 – May 29, 2025)

1. Capped maximum voters per polling station at 1200

2. Additional polling booths in high-density areas

3. Integration with RGI for removal of deceased voters

4. Enhanced voter slips with clearer info

5. Mobile phone deposit facility at polling stations

6. 4,719 all-party meetings across India

7. High-level meetings with national and regional political parties

8. Training for recognized parties’ booth agents

9. Reduced campaign booth limit from 200m to 100m

10. Launch of ECI Net unified dashboard

11. Unique EPIC number solution to stop duplication

12. Identification of 28 stakeholder groups

13. Training modules tailored for each stakeholder

14. National conference of ECI lawyers and CEOs

15. Standardized photo IDs for all BLOs

16. 3,500+ BLOs trained; 6,000 more to be trained in next 45 days

17. Orientation for media officers from 36 states/UTs

18. Specialized police training in Bihar

19. Introduction of biometric attendance at ECI HQ

20. Launch of e-Office for digital administration

21. Institutionalized regular CEO review meetings