EC introduces three IT services for Bengal assembly polls

The Election Commission on Thursday announced the introduction of three IT initiatives ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls next year, for the benefit of political parties and voters.

Based on the model used in Bihar, the IT initiative 'Suvidha' is a single window permission system for holding public meetings and rallies by parties in poll season.

"Political parties need permissions to conduct public meetings, rallies etc. The election period is very limited. If time is wasted in seeking permission, very precious time is lost by political parties. Under the scheme Suvidha, permissions will be issued in 24 hours," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi told the media here.

"We have already directed officials to start making preparations for the Suvida facility."

The second initiative 'Samadhan' is a digital redressal system for complaints.

"All complaints pertaining to elections, electoral rolls, code of conduct etc. will be brought on an IT platform. And their redressal will be ensured in time, and the complainant will be informed of the action taken and the status of the complaint made to the machinery," said Zaidi.

To ensure smooth management of transport services procured during polls, Zaidi said the 'Sugam' platform will aid in addressing issues related to payment, hiring of vehicles, log books and other matters.

"A large number of vehicles are procured by the election machinery, and transporters generally complain about delays in payment. So we are introducing another IT initiative 'Sugam'. The hiring of vehicles, their log books, their payment etc. will all be tracked by this IT initiative," he said.