Electoral rolls to have photographs to check fraud

The Indian Election Commission has earned "enormous credibility" and appreciation within the country but still is continuously updating its skills and procedures to ensure a free and fair polls, he said addressing the India American Chamber of Commerce here.      

The Commission is using information technology in a big way and is in the process of having electoral rolls with the photographs of electors to avoid the possibility of fraud, Chawla said.      

Another important aspect is the updating of the electoral roll, the poll panel member said pointing to the recently held elections in Karnataka where the voters' list was updated within three months with about 5.5 million names removed and another 2.5 million added to the rolls.      

"Indian people are satisfied with the efforts made by the Election Commission," he said during an interaction yesterday.       

Chawla, who has been accused by main opposition BJP of "partisan" conduct, said the Commission takes the work of ensuring impartiality very seriously.      

Any complaint received by the Commission is promptly investigated and if any substance is found, steps are taken to correct it including excluding the official from the electoral process, he said.     

Chawla said the model code of conduct has become a very "effective" tool in disciplining contesting candidates and political parties during elections to create a level-playing field.