ARRANGEMENTS FOR VOTERS TO KEEP THEIR MOBILES NEAR POLLING BOOTHS

ARRANGEMENTS FOR VOTERS TO KEEP THEIR MOBILES NEAR POLLING BOOTHS

15-OCT-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Announcing the dates for the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission announced a new initiative: a mobile deposit facility outside polling booths.

The Election Commission has also addressed a major issue faced by the public during voting. Mobile phones have become a necessity these days. Many people bring their mobile phones with them to the polls, but they are not allowed inside polling booths. Consequently, many voters face the problem of where to keep their mobile phones. In a new initiative for the Bihar elections, the Election Commission has announced the introduction of a mobile deposit facility outside polling booths.

CEC Gyanesh Kumar stated during a press conference that arrangements will be made for keeping mobile phones outside polling booths. Voters who bring their mobile phones will be able to deposit them before entering the booth and collect them after casting their votes. Since two-thirds of voters in Bihar are under the age of 35, the Election Commission has provided this significant convenience to voters.

Complete Bihar Election Schedule: Voting in Two Phases, Counting on November 14 Providing information about facilities at polling stations, the CEC stated that certain minimum services will be ensured at each polling station. These will include a voter facilitation center, poll volunteers, and help desks to assist voters. Signs will be posted providing information about polling stations. Ramps will be built for the movement of disabled voters. Wheelchairs will be available. Toilets, drinking water, and adequate lighting will also be provided. Elections in Bihar will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with counting taking place on November 14.

To enhance transparency and fairness in the elections, the Election Commission has also enabled voters to directly communicate with their BLOs. If a voter has a problem, they can now book a call through the ECENET app. Voter helpline number 1950 can also be called. To make a call, dial 1950 followed by the city's STD code. For example, for Patna, add the 0612 code to 06121950. This will connect 90,712 booth-level officers in Bihar. If the problem is not resolved by the BLO, arrangements have been made to contact 243 EROs, 38 DEOs, and even the CEO.

The Election Commission has launched an integrated app called ECI Net. Currently, the Election Commission has approximately 40 apps, which have been combined to create this single interface. It has been described as the mother of all apps.

Gyanesh Kumar said that the Election Commission has issued strict instructions that no violence will be tolerated. The Commission will closely monitor fake news and propaganda. The Chief Election Commissioner said that 17 new initiatives are being implemented in the Bihar elections.

Approximately 1.4 million youth in Bihar will vote for the first time. Polling stations will be located on the ground floor, with no more than 1,200 voters per polling booth, allowing for early voting. Anyone can enroll their name in the voting list up to 10 days before the nomination deadline. Patrol teams will reach 197 polling stations by boat. Police patrol teams will reach 250 polling stations using horses.