Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)
Context:
The Election Commission’s two-day Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) consultation workshop concluded recently.
Key Highlights:
- The agenda of the workshop was to review state SVEEP plans and deliberate on the important aspects of SVEEP for a strategy for the forthcoming elections.
- ECI announced a new initiative, under which newly-registered electors will receive a voter guide, a personalised congratulatory letter and a pledge for ethical voting, along with their Voter ID cards.
- The new initiative was announced at a Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) consultation for the poll-bound States; Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)
- Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation program, better known as SVEEP, is the flagship program of the Election Commission of India for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in India. Since 2009,
- SVEEP’s primary goal is to build a truly participative democracy in India by encouraging all eligible citizens to vote and make an informed decision during the elections.
- The programme is based on multiple general as well as targeted interventions which are designed according to the socio-economic, cultural and demographic profile of the state as well as the history of electoral participation in previous rounds of elections and learning thereof.
- This programme is based on multiple general as well as targeted interventions which are designed according to the socio-economic, cultural and demographic profile of the state as well as the history of electoral participation in previous rounds of elections and learning thereof.
Journey of SVEEP-
- SVEEP-I (2009-2013): The first phase of SVEEP spread broadly from end 2009 to 2013 and covered elections to the Legislative Assemblies of 21 States and 2 Union Territories till December 2013.
- SVEEP-II (April 2013- Till present):
- Carrying forward and strengthening the initiatives of SVEEP I, the second phase of SVEEP involved a planned strategy for targeted approach towards bridging the various gaps.
- A structured framework including polling station-wise situation analysis, planning, implementation, review and regular evaluation was put in place.
- SVEEP III (Being undertaken):
- Drawing learnings from the historic Lok Sabha Elections of 2014, a more robust and in-depth plan is in place for SVEEP III.
- Enhanced interaction with the citizens through online and offline modes; awareness about new initiatives and a standardized yearly plan of activities, form a part of this phase.
Other Related Initiatives Taken:
- NOTA (None of the Above) Option:
- By choosing NOTA, voters have the right to not to choose any nominated candidate.
- Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail:
- It is an independent verification printer machine and is attached to electronic voting machines. It allows voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate.
- National Voters’ Day:
- It has been celebrated on 25th January every year since 2011 to mark the formation of ECI.
- Decriminalization of Elections:
- ECI and the Court have ensured together that the candidates declare their criminal record and any cases, pending or not.
- cVIGIL App:
- This app provides time-stamped, evidence-based proof of the Model Code of Conduct/Expenditure Violation, having live photo/video with auto location data.
Election Commission of India
- An autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
- Administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies and the offices of the President and Vice President.
- Part XV of the Indian constitution deals with elections, and establishes a commission for these matters.
- Article 324 to 329 of the constitution deals with powers, function, tenure, eligibility, etc of the commission and the members.
- Originally, it had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body.
- Presently, it consists of one Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs) – appointed by the President.
- They hold office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Source: SVEEP
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