October 6th 2025.
The Election Commission made an exciting announcement on Monday in New Delhi regarding the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. They introduced 17 new initiatives that will be implemented during the election process. These initiatives, called the "Bihar First Initiatives", will cover all aspects of the election, from preparation to vote counting. The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, shared the details of these initiatives at a press conference.
One of the major changes is the introduction of compulsory webcasting at all polling stations. This means that every polling station will have a live video feed, allowing for greater transparency and accountability. Another convenient feature is the availability of counters outside polling stations for voters to deposit their mobile phones. This will help avoid overcrowding and ensure a smooth voting process. Additionally, the number of electors per polling station has been limited to 1,200 for the same reason.
To make the voting process more efficient, the Election Commission will issue voter-information slips with serial and part numbers displayed prominently. This will make it easier for voters to verify their details. They have also launched a digital platform called ECINet, which will provide real-time updates on voter turnout. This information will be uploaded by presiding officers every two hours on polling day, reducing the time lag. Furthermore, candidate booths will now be allowed just outside 100 meters of polling stations, and the guidelines for EVM ballot papers have been revised to make them more readable. For the first time, electronic voting machines will also have color photographs of the candidates.
In case of any discrepancies, the counting of VVPAT slips will be mandatory. This will happen if there is a mismatch between the form 17C and the EVM data or if the mock poll data was not erased. Additionally, the counting of postal ballots will take place before the penultimate round of EVM/VVPAT counting. The Election Commission has also introduced a technology-driven system that will provide access to election-related data at the constituency level for all stakeholders. This includes digital index cards and reports.
In the preparatory stage, the poll panel provided training to booth-level agents appointed by political parties. These agents were trained in various aspects, including the use of appeals under the Representation of the People Act, 1950. More than 7,000 booth-level officers and BLO supervisors from across the country, including Bihar, were trained at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi. Special sessions were also conducted for the Bihar Police to ensure preparedness during the election.
The Special Intensive Revision, which was conducted in the state to purify the electoral rolls, is also included in the "Bihar First Initiatives". The Election Commission has also made provisions for remuneration for officials such as BLOs, supervisors, polling and counting staff, and the Central Armed Police Forces. They have also increased the provisions for refreshments and will be providing honorariums for EROs and AEROs for the first time.
The Bihar Assembly polls will take place in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with vote counting on November 14. These new initiatives by the Election Commission are set to make the election process more efficient, transparent, and accessible for all.
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