MAJOR ELECTORAL REFORMS IN INDIA

Reform

Year Implemented

Explanation

Introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

1998 (Nationwide use from 2004)

EVMs replaced paper ballots, speeding up the voting process, reducing invalid votes, and minimizing counting errors.

Lowering the Voting Age

1989

Voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years, allowing more youth to participate in elections.

Introduction of Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

2013

VVPATs provide a physical verification mechanism for votes cast through EVMs, enhancing transparency and credibility.

NOTA (None of the Above) Option

2013

Allows voters to reject all candidates if none are suitable, providing a way to express disapproval.

Restriction on Exit Polls

2010

Imposed restrictions on exit polls to prevent influencing voters and ensure a fair election process.

Ceiling on Election Expenditure

Various (latest in 2014)

Periodic revision of expenditure limits to control the influence of money in elections and ensure a level playing field.

Disclosure of Criminal Antecedents, Assets, and Liabilities

2003

Candidates must disclose criminal records, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications, promoting transparency.

Prohibition on Simultaneous Membership

2003

Prohibits simultaneous membership in more than one legislature, ensuring focus on respective constituencies.

Introduction of Postal Ballots for NRIs

2020

Extended postal ballot facility to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to participate in elections without traveling to India.

Voter Registration and Identification

Continuous (Notably with EPIC in 1993)

EPIC introduced to prevent fraudulent voting; continuous efforts to maintain accurate electoral rolls.

Introduction of Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

1968 (first enforced in 1971)

Sets guidelines for fair election campaigns, including restrictions on speeches, processions, and government resources.

Anti-Defection Law

1985 (52nd Amendment)

Prevents elected members from switching parties for personal gain, disqualifying defectors.

Introduction of Indelible Ink

1962

Used on voters' fingers to prevent multiple voting by the same individual.

Formation of Delimitation Commission

Various (notably in 1952, 1963, 1973, 2002)

Redraws constituency boundaries based on census data to ensure equal representation.

Fast-Track Courts for Election Disputes

Various

Special courts to expedite resolution of election-related disputes for timely justice.

Restriction on Campaign Duration

Various (latest in 2019)

Regulations to limit election campaign duration, reducing burden on candidates and voters.

Introduction of E-Filed Nomination

2020

Facility for candidates to file nominations online, making the process more accessible and reducing administrative overhead.

Social Media Guidelines

2019

Guidelines to regulate social media use by political parties and candidates, ensuring adherence to MCC and preventing misinformation.

Election Expenditure Monitoring

Various (latest in 2019)

Enhanced mechanisms for monitoring election expenditure, including Expenditure Observers and Media Certification Committees.

Introduction of Totalizer Machines

2018 (pilot projects)

Mixes votes from different polling stations before counting, protecting voter privacy and reducing intimidation risks.

Remote Voting for Migrant Workers

Proposal under consideration (pilot in 2020)

Developing technology to enable migrant workers to vote remotely, increasing voter participation.

Voter Education and Awareness

Ongoing (notably with SVEEP in 2010)

SVEEP program launched to enhance voter awareness and participation through educational initiatives.

Prohibition on Paid News

Various (latest in 2013)

Steps to identify and penalize paid news, ensuring unbiased and genuine election coverage.

Booth-Level Officers (BLOs)

2006

BLOs introduced to manage voter lists and address issues, improving electoral roll accuracy.

Electoral Literacy Clubs

2018

ELCs established in institutions to educate young and first-time voters about the electoral process.

Prohibition of Contesting from Multiple Constituencies

Proposal under consideration

Proposed amendment to allow candidates to contest from only one constituency at a time.

Regulation of Opinion Polls

Various (latest in 2013)

Guidelines to regulate opinion polls during elections to prevent undue influence on voters.

Ban on Tobacco and Liquor Advertising

Various (latest in 2014)

Banned advertisements of tobacco and liquor during elections to prevent them from being used as inducements for votes.

Introduction of App-based Complaints Mechanism

2019

cVIGIL app launched for real-time reporting of MCC violations, promoting accountability.

Use of GIS Mapping for Polling Stations

2019

GIS used for better planning and management of polling stations, ensuring accessibility and efficiency.

Committees/Commissions

Year

Explanation

Tarkunde Committee on Electoral Reforms

1974

Also known as the Committee on Electoral Reforms, formed by the Citizens for Democracy under V.M. Tarkunde. Focused on introducing proportional representation, state funding of elections, and ensuring internal democracy within political parties.

Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms

1990

The Goswami Committee was established to address concerns related to electoral malpractices and inefficiencies. Key recommendations included measures to curb election expenditure, proposals to introduce the state funding of elections, stricter enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and transparency in political party finances. The committee also suggested reforms to ensure the independence and autonomy of the Election Commission of India.

Dinesh Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms

1990

Examined various aspects of electoral reforms. Recommended reducing the role of money in elections, simplifying voter registration, providing transparency in political funding, and introducing an open ballot system for Rajya Sabha elections to prevent corruption and cross-voting.

Vohra Committee Report

1993

The Vohra Committee was set up to investigate the nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and criminals. The report highlighted the deep-rooted connections between organized crime and politics, emphasizing the need for stringent laws to prevent criminal elements from entering the political arena. The recommendations included setting up a nodal agency to coordinate efforts to curb the criminalization of politics and ensuring that individuals with criminal backgrounds are barred from contesting elections.

Geeta Mukherjee Committee on Women’s Reservation Bill

1996

Reviewed the Women’s Reservation Bill aimed at reserving one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. Highlighted the need for greater representation of women in politics and suggested measures for effective implementation of the reservation policy.

Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections

1998

The Indrajit Gupta Committee was formed to explore the feasibility of state funding for elections. The committee supported the idea of partial state funding to reduce the influence of money in politics and to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Recommendations included providing candidates with certain subsidies, such as free or subsidized media time and reimbursement of specific election expenses, to reduce their dependence on private donations.

Law Commission Report on Reform of the Electoral Laws

1999

The Law Commission's report focused on comprehensive reforms to the electoral laws in India. Key recommendations included the introduction of more stringent penalties for electoral offenses, the implementation of measures to ensure greater transparency in political funding, the regulation of opinion and exit polls, and the enhancement of the Election Commission's powers. The report also suggested measures to improve the accuracy and inclusiveness of electoral rolls.

National Commission for the Review of the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC)

2000-2002

Also known as the Justice Venkatachaliah Commission. Recommended strengthening the Election Commission, improving voter registration, enhancing transparency of political funding, curbing criminalization in politics, and ensuring fair representation.

National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution

2001

The National Commission, headed by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, reviewed the working of the Constitution, including electoral processes. Recommendations included reforms to strengthen the independence of the Election Commission, the introduction of measures to prevent the criminalization of politics, and suggestions for electoral finance reforms. The commission also emphasized the need for internal democracy within political parties and the regulation of political advertisements.

Justice B.P. Jeevan Reddy Committee on Election Reforms

2001

Set up by the Law Commission of India. Recommended changes to the anti-defection law, ensuring greater transparency in the electoral process, and addressing criminalization in politics.

Election Commission of India – Proposed Electoral Reforms

2004

The ECI proposed a set of electoral reforms aimed at enhancing the transparency, efficiency, and integrity of the electoral process. Recommendations included the introduction of Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), stricter enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, measures to curb the influence of money and muscle power in elections, and steps to improve voter education and awareness. The ECI also proposed changes to the laws governing political party registration and funding.

Committee on Political Party Reforms

2007

Examined the internal functioning and transparency of political parties. Recommended mandatory internal elections, financial transparency, and mechanisms to ensure accountability within political parties.

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission

2008

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by Veerappa Moily, recommended several electoral reforms as part of its broader agenda to improve governance. Key recommendations included measures to ensure greater transparency in political funding, the introduction of state funding for elections, reforms to strengthen the Election Commission's autonomy, and the implementation of measures to prevent the criminalization of politics. The commission also emphasized the need for reforms to enhance voter participation and the inclusiveness of the electoral process.

Committee on Electoral Reforms in Jammu and Kashmir

2010

Examined the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. Recommended measures to address voter registration issues, ensure security during elections, and facilitate the participation of displaced persons.

Ashok Chawla Committee on Corporate Sector Participation in Election Process

2010

Reviewed the role of the corporate sector in the electoral process. Recommended measures to ensure transparency in corporate donations to political parties, capping corporate donations, and promoting ethical business practices in political funding.

Law Commission of India Report No. 255 on Electoral Reforms

2015

Focused on comprehensive electoral reforms. Recommended enhancing transparency in political funding, strengthening the Election Commission, regulating political advertisements, and addressing criminalization in politics.