Context:
Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 73,000 applications have been received on the Suvidha Portal, with more than 44,600 requests approved.
Relevance:
GS II: Polity and Governance
Suvidha Portal by Election Commission of India (ECI)
Purpose and Objective
- The Suvidha portal serves as a technological tool developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to uphold democratic values by ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Functionality
- The portal streamlines the process for political parties and candidates to request permissions and facilities during elections.
- Requests are transparently prioritized based on the “First in First Out” principle.
Services Offered
- The Suvidha Portal facilitates permissions for various activities including:
- Organizing rallies
- Setting up temporary party offices
- Door-to-door canvassing
- Utilizing video vans and helicopters
- Obtaining vehicle permits
- Distributing pamphlets
Ease of Use
- Political parties and candidates can conveniently submit permission requests online via the Suvidha Portal.
- For broader accessibility, offline options are also available.
IT Infrastructure
- The Suvidha Portal is supported by a robust IT platform managed by designated nodal officers, ensuring efficient and prompt processing of requests.
Companion App Features
- A dedicated Suvidha companion app enables applicants to monitor the real-time status of their requests, further enhancing transparency and user convenience.