The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a series of progressive electoral reforms aimed at enhancing democratic inclusion, streamlining voter services, and strengthening the integrity of elections in India. These reforms, spearheaded by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, reflect the Commission’s commitment to inclusive and technology-driven electoral processes.

Key Electoral Reforms Announced

• Remote Voting for Domestic Migrants - To ensure greater participation of internal migrants in elections, the ECI has launched pilot initiatives enabling remote voting. This will allow voters who have migrated for work or education to cast their vote without returning to their home constituencies.
• Home Voting for Senior Citizens and PwDs - To ensure accessibility, home voting facilities have been introduced for voters above 85 years of age and for persons with disabilities (PwDs). This reform removes physical barriers and empowers vulnerable citizens to participate in the democratic process.
• Issuance of Identity Cards for BLOs - In a move to enhance transparency and official recognition, the ECI has introduced photo identity cards for Booth Level Officers (BLOs). This reform aims to improve the efficiency and credibility of BLOs, who serve as the primary interface between voters and the electoral system at the grassroots level.
• Zero-Tolerance Towards Electoral Malpractices - The ECI has adopted a firm stance against electoral corruption. In coordination with enforcement agencies, it is actively working to counter the misuse of money, freebies, and inducements during elections.
• Technology-Driven Voter Services - Several tech-based voter service improvements have been introduced, such as online voter registration, digital voter slips, and real-time tracking of voter data and polling station updates. These tools aim to simplify and digitize the voter experience.