ECI to provide mobile phone deposit facility for voters at polling stations

In line with various initiatives aimed at enhancing voter convenience and streamlining poll day arrangements, the Election Commission of India has issued two more comprehensive instructions for providing mobile deposit facilities for voters just outside the polling stations and rationalising norms for canvassing.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The instructions are according to relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961.

This comes in wake of increasing coverage and usage of mobile phones in both urban and rural areas and the challenges faced not only by the voters at large, but also by senior citizens, women, and PwD electors in managing mobile phones on the poll day.

Acknowledging the issues, the poll panel has now decided to allow a mobile deposit facility just outside the polling stations.

Only mobile phones will be allowed within 100 meters of the polling station, and that too in switched-off mode.