UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29th June 2025
Bihar introduces voting via mobile phone app, becomes first state to adopt e-voting system
Why in News?
- Bihar recently became the first State in India to allow eligible voters to cast their votes using mobile phones during municipal bypolls and elections in six Nagar Panchayats. This step aims to increase voter convenience and participation, especially for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women who face challenges in visiting polling booths.
Key Highlights
- First E-Votes Cast:
Bibha Kumari from East Champaran district was the first voter to cast an e-vote using a mobile app developed for this purpose. - Hybrid Model:
Traditional electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used at 489 booths for in-person voters, while a dedicated E-SECBHR mobile app enabled remote voting for eligible categories. - Eligibility:
Mobile voting was allowed for the elderly, disabled persons, and pregnant women. Only two voters per mobile number could log in, and voter identity verification was mandatory. - Technology Used:
The app, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), incorporates blockchain technology, face-matching, and scanning to ensure security, transparency, and tamper-proof processes. - Polling Context:
The initiative covered municipal bypolls in Patna, Buxar, Rohtas, and East Champaran districts.
There was no clarity yet on whether this system will be extended to the upcoming State Assembly elections.
Concepts and Governance Context
- E-Voting:
Refers to casting votes using electronic means outside the traditional voting booths. It can include internet-based remote voting or secured mobile applications. - Blockchain in Voting:
Blockchain provides a distributed ledger ensuring that votes cannot be altered or tampered with, adding transparency to the election process. - Digital Inclusion:
Mobile voting aims to make elections more inclusive for persons with reduced mobility or other constraints. - Role of Election Bodies:
The Bihar State Election Commission implemented the system with technical support from C-DAC, showing inter-agency cooperation for electoral reforms.
Constitutional and Legal Aspects
- Article 326: Provides for direct elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies based on adult suffrage.
- 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments: Mandate democratic decentralisation and regular elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
- Representation of the People Act, 1951: Governs the conduct of elections and voting procedures; any large-scale adoption of remote e-voting would require careful alignment with its provisions.
- Election Commission’s Powers: Under Article 243K (for Panchayats) and Article 243ZA (for Municipalities), the State Election Commission supervises, directs, and controls local body elections.
- Right to Secrecy: The secrecy of voting is a part of the free and fair elections framework, as upheld by the Supreme Court. E-voting must ensure that secrecy and integrity are not compromised.
Challenges
- Cybersecurity Risks: Safeguarding against hacking, identity theft, and tampering is crucial for public trust.
- Digital Divide: Many voters, especially in rural or remote areas, may lack access to smartphones or digital literacy.
- Legal and Procedural Gaps: Large-scale implementation will require clear legal frameworks, robust audit trails, and readiness for disputes.
Way Forward
- Conduct pilot studies in other States to test scalability and address digital literacy barriers.
- Develop clear guidelines for remote voting security audits, voter privacy, and verification.
- Strengthen voter education to ensure confidence in the new technology.
- Ensure robust stakeholder consultation, including with the Election Commission of India, before expanding to State Assembly or Parliamentary elections.
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Economic Implications
For Indian Exporters
- These reforms reduce transaction costs and compliance hurdles
- Encourage a more competitive and efficient export environment
- Promote value addition in key sectors like leather
For Tamil Nadu
- The reforms particularly benefit the state’s leather industry, a major contributor to employment and exports
- Boost the marketability of GI-tagged E.I. leather, enhancing rural and traditional industries
For Trade Policy
- These decisions indicate a shift from regulatory controls to policy facilitation
Reinforce the goals of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s ambition to become a leading export power
Recently, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, claimed that India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
India’s rank as the world’s largest economy varies by measure—nominal GDP or purchasing power parity (PPP)—each with key implications for economic analysis.
