The Election Commission is implementing 17 new reforms since Bihar elections 2025. Its goal is to increase transparency and make the process easier. The main changes include 100% webcasting, compulsory VVPAT count and digital platforms.
Patna: Prior to Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Election Commission has announced 17 new changes in the polling process. The aim of these reforms is to make the election more transparent, technically advanced and easy for voters. According to the Commission, these reforms will be applicable from Bihar for the first time, after which they will be adopted across the country.
Accountability will increase at booth level
This time the preparation at the booth level is being strengthened. Booth level agents, booth level officers (blo) and police officers will be given special training before the election. The Commission believes that this will keep discipline, security and fairness at polling stations. Also, BLO will now be given photo ID cards so that the identity process of voters remains completely transparent.
New facilities for voters
The Commission has made several new provisions for the convenience of voters. Now each voter will get their EPIC card within 15 days. There will be a system of depositing mobile at polling stations so that any kind of recording or social media spread can be prevented. Also, Voter Information Slip will now be more clear and wide.
Only 1200 voters at every booth
This time in Bihar elections, there will be a maximum of 1200 voters at a booth. The Commission believes that this step will be more streamlined and long queues will be avoided. Along with this, the promotional stalls of the candidates will be able to be installed at a distance of 100 meters from the booth, so that the fairness of the polling station remains.
Every vote will be live monitoring
This time the Election Commission has decided to have 100 percent webcasting at all polling stations. This will make it possible to monitor live monitoring of each booth and any kind of disturbance will be stopped immediately. This step is considered a major experiment towards e-visual monitoring system in the country.
New guidelines on EVM and VVPAT
The Election Commission has issued new guidelines regarding EVM ballot paper. The most important change is that now the count of VVPAT has been made mandatory. That is, in the event of any difference or complaint, VVPAT slip will definitely be calculated, so that the results will be fully confident.
Postal ballot count will be easy
This time the process of postal ballot has also been made simple and fast. According to the new guidelines, the authorities will be provided the facility of real-time monitoring and reporting of counting. At the same time, the remuneration of the officials associated with the election has increased so that both their responsibility and inspiration increase.
ECINET and Digital Index Card introduced
The Commission has announced the introduction of ‘One Stop Digital Platform ECI-NET’ and digital index card system. This platform will have the facility of enrollment, reporting, monitoring and real-time data uploads. This will make the entire election process transparent and accessible on the same digital network.
Bihar will become a laboratory for change
The Election Commission has clarified that all these reforms are being implemented in Bihar elections for the first time in 2025, and on getting success, they will be adopted as standard practice across the country. Experts believe that this step is not only administratively important, but it will also increase confidence and participation in voters.