The 14th National Voters’ Day (NVD) is set to be celebrated on January 25, 2024. The esteemed President of India will bestow the NVD Awards as a symbolic gesture for this significant day.
Election Commission Of India’s 75th Year of Service
The Election Commission of India joyously commemorates its 75th year of dedicated service to the nation. The commission is all set to mark the 14th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on January 25, 2024, with a national event in New Delhi. Notable dignitaries and representatives from various Election Management bodies will be in attendance.
Recognition of Excellence in Electoral Practices
During the event, the Honorable President will present the Best Electoral Practices Awards for the exceptional performance in the conduct of elections in 2023. Recognition will extend to State and District-level officers, stakeholders, and media organizations for their contributions.
Unveiling ECI’s Initiatives for General Elections 2024
The Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar will present the inaugural copy of the ECI Publication ‘ECI Initiatives for General Elections 2024.’ This publication offers a comprehensive overview of initiatives aimed at ensuring free, fair, inclusive, accessible, and participatory elections.
Enlightening Voter Awareness Through Cinema
A voter awareness film, ‘My Vote My Duty,’ produced by ECI in collaboration with filmmaker Shri Raj Kumar Hirani, will be screened. The film features celebrities conveying messages that evoke the spirit of democracy and the power of one vote.
A Momentous Year for Election Commission of India: 75 Years of Service
On January 25, 2024, the Election Commission of India celebrates its 75th year of dedicated service to the Nation. This celebration includes the release of a commemorative postage stamp themed “Inclusive Elections” and the launch of a multimedia campaign for Voter Education and Awareness.
Showcasing the Grandeur of Indian Elections
An innovative multimedia exhibition will showcase the grandeur of Indian elections, electoral reforms, technological advancements, and election management innovations.
Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been commemorated on January 25 every year to create electoral awareness among citizens and encourage their active participation in the electoral process. The celebration extends to various levels, making it one of the most extensive nationwide events.
History Of National Voters’ Day
The history of National Voters’ Day (NVD) can be traced back to its inception in 2011. The event, celebrated annually on January 25, marks the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), which was established on January 25, 1950. The primary objective behind the creation of NVD was to foster electoral awareness among citizens and stimulate their active involvement in the democratic process.
The celebration of NVD serves as a platform to honor the voters of the country, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s destiny through their democratic right to vote. The day is not only a commemoration of the ECI’s establishment but also a dedication to the voters, emphasizing the importance of their participation in the electoral process.
One of the key aspects of National Voters’ Day is its role in facilitating the enrollment of voters, particularly the newly eligible young voters. During NVD functions held across the country, new voters are felicitated, and they are ceremoniously presented with their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), symbolizing their official recognition as participants in the democratic electoral system.
Over the years, NVD has evolved into one of the largest celebrations in the country, observed at national, state, district, constituency, and even polling booth levels. The day not only serves as a reminder of the democratic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution but also as a means to enhance civic engagement and promote a sense of responsibility among citizens.
As the years have progressed, NVD has become a significant annual event, contributing to the broader objective of strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation. The celebration continues to play a vital role in building awareness, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote, thereby contributing to the vibrant and robust functioning of India’s electoral system.
Facts About Election Commission Of India
The Election Commission of India (ECI) stands as an autonomous constitutional authority entrusted with the regulation of India’s electoral process in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Constitution.
Established on January 25, 1950, the ECI’s primary mandate is to orchestrate and oversee the electoral procedures within the country, ensuring they are conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of fairness and adheres to the Model Rules of Ethics, serving as a comprehensive code of conduct.
Structure of ECI:
Originally comprising a single election commissioner, the ECI underwent a transformation with the ECI Amendment Act 1989, evolving into a multi-member body. The commission now consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. At the state level, the Chief Electoral Officer, an IAS level officer, supports the Election Commission. Commissioners hold a fixed six-year term or until reaching the age of 65, enjoying the same status, salary, and benefits as Supreme Court judges of India.
Removal from Office:
High Court and Supreme Court judges, Chief Election Commissioners (CEC), and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) may be removed from office through a parliamentary resolution based on proven misbehavior or incapacity. The term “impeachment” is not applied to the removal of judges, CAGs, and CECs; impeachment is exclusively reserved for the removal of the President, requiring a special two-thirds majority in both chambers.
Appointment and Tenure of Commissioners:
The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. Both have a six-year tenure or serve until the age of 65. Only the elected Commissioner holds the authority to dismiss the Election Commissioner, while the President, with parliamentary agreement, can dismiss the Chief Election Commissioner.
Powers of ECI:
The Election Commissioners possess Administrative Powers, Advisory Powers, and Quasi-Judicial Powers. Administrative powers involve overseeing and controlling elections, Advisory Powers relate to advice sought by the President in cases of corrupt practices, and Quasi-Judicial Powers include the registration of political parties.
Role of ECI:
The ECI plays a pivotal role in organizing elections, ensuring their fairness and adherence to ethical standards. Its functions encompass conducting free and fair elections, regulating and registering political parties, overseeing campaign spending, and enforcing ethical conduct codes for political parties and candidates.
Primary Responsibilities of the Election Commission:
- Supervise, control, and conduct all parliamentary and state legislative elections.
- Establish general election regulations.
- Prepare electoral rolls.
- Determine constituency allocation based on geographical considerations.
- Allocate political party symbols.
- Oversee the voting procedure, including the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), postal voting, and provisions for electors with disabilities.
State Election Commission:
Distinct from the Election Commission of India, State Election Commissions operate independently. Responsibilities include overseeing elections for Panchayati Raj institutions, managing electoral rolls, fixing nomination dates, and supervising the entire electoral process.
Conclusion:
The Election Commission of India assumes supervisory and directive responsibilities for the entire electoral process, spanning legislatures, the President, and Vice-President of India, encompassing elections for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and more.
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