The Election Commission of India (ECI) plans to make a major advancement in digital technology through ECI Net, a single digital platform that combines over 40 applications for elections into one application. It is to be launched during the Bihar Assembly elections, and it is called “Mother of all apps.” The introduction of ECI Net aspires the way towards accountability, accessibility, and efficiency in the democratic processes of elections in India.
What is ECI NET?
ECI Net intends to create a single-window digital ecosystem for all parties engaged in the election, from Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs). The ecosystem integrates previous digitally accessible technology that the ECI used for voting surveillance, election management, communication, and reporting.
The digital ecosystem aims to facilitate workflows, strengthen coordination, and facilitate access to information for both the officers and the voters.
Key Features of ECI NET
Integrated platform: Unifies over 40 Election Commission apps into a user-friendly interface.
Real-time monitoring: Allows tracking of voter registrations, polling arrangements, and counting of votes.
Citizen facilitation: Integrates seamlessly with the 1950 Voter Helpline to connect to your BLO.
Data protection: All digital transactions secured via encryption and access control.
Transparency enhancement: Builds greater confidence to the general public by reducing manual errors and delay in the election process.
How to Connect
The ECI launched the new app interface at a press conference held in New Delhi and now connects 90,712 BLOs, 243 EROs and 38 DEOs in each digitized platform.
Now citizens can call 1950 (Voter Helpline) and connect to their local election officials. You can call by using
+91 [STD Code] 1950 — for example, +91-612-1950 for Patna.
You will also be able to book a call with your BLO through the ECI Net app for a quick response to your queries.
Bihar will be the first state to implement this project. The app will be put into use during the state elections and serve as a proof of concept before being rolled out nationally. Officials said that the platform will eventually be used in all states to create uniform electoral processes.
The Election Commission said this initiative fits well with its vision of creating a technology-driven, transparent, and efficient electoral ecosystem.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar also announced another important procedural reform, in which postal (mail) ballots will have to be counted before the last two rounds of counting vote counts. This is intended to help increase transparency and consistency in tabulating results.
Once it is fully operational, ECI Net will be the backbone of the election management infrastructure in India, by digitally connecting every election official, improving accountability, and ensuring every vote is counted in a timely, secure, and transparent manner.
