Lec-05 of General Awareness Naib Tehsildar || Election Commission of India || JKSSB NT

Summary

In this video, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is explored in detail, covering its constitutional role, structure, and functions. Established on January 25, 1950, the ECI oversees free and fair elections at both the Union and State levels. The video discusses the key Articles of the Indian Constitution that define its powers and responsibilities, the composition of its members, and recent reforms, including the 2023 bill that changed its appointment process. It also touches upon the current leadership and challenges, offering viewers a comprehensive overview of the ECI’s pivotal role in India's democratic process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous and constitutional body responsible for conducting elections at the Union and State levels.
• 😀 ECI was established on 25th January 1950 and is mentioned in Part 15 of the Indian Constitution (Articles 324-329).
• 😀 Article 324 of the Indian Constitution defines ECI's role to ensure free and fair elections and its composition with a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two other Election Commissioners.
• 😀 Articles 325 and 326 guarantee equal voting rights for all Indian citizens, based on adult suffrage (18 years and above).
• 😀 ECI conducts elections for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and for the President and Vice President of India.
• 😀 Each state has a separate State Election Commission for Panchayat and Municipal elections.
• 😀 ECI was initially a single-member body, but after 1989, it became a multi-member body with one CEC and two Election Commissioners, and remains so since 1993.
• 😀 The appointment of Election Commissioners is made by the President, with a tenure of either six years or until the age of 65, whichever comes first.
• 😀 ECI plays a key role in managing voter lists, deciding election dates, recognizing political parties, and allotting election symbols. It also resolves disputes between political parties.
• 😀 In 2023, a new bill passed changing the appointment process for Election Commissioners, introducing a three-member selection committee consisting of the Prime Minister, nominated Cabinet Ministers, and the Leader of Opposition.

Q & A

What is the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI)?

The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting all Union and State elections in India, including elections for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, President, Vice President, and State Legislative Assemblies. It also oversees elections at the Panchayat and Municipality levels through state election commissions.

When was the Election Commission of India established?

The Election Commission of India was established on 25th January 1950.

Which articles in the Indian Constitution mention the Election Commission of India?

The Election Commission of India is mentioned in Part 15 of the Indian Constitution, specifically in Articles 324 to 329.

What is the composition of the Election Commission of India as per the Constitution?

The Election Commission of India consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.

How is the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners appointed?

The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners. However, as of the 2023 Act, a three-member selection committee, consisting of the Prime Minister, nominated Cabinet Ministers, and the Leader of Opposition, recommends their appointments.

What is the term of office for the Election Commissioners?

The term of office for the Election Commissioners is either 6 years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first.

What was the significant amendment regarding the salary of Election Commissioners?

In 2023, the salary of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners was made equal to that of the Cabinet Secretary, replacing the earlier practice of aligning their salary with that of Supreme Court judges.

What is 'Adult Suffrage' as per Article 326?

Adult Suffrage, as mentioned in Article 326, means that all Indian citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote in elections, regardless of gender, religion, or race.

What is the process for removing an Election Commissioner from office?

An Election Commissioner can only be removed through a process similar to that of removing a Supreme Court judge, which requires a special majority of two-thirds in both houses of Parliament.

What are the major flaws in the current structure of the Election Commission of India?

Some of the flaws in the Election Commission of India include the lack of defined qualifications for its members, the absence of a specific tenure for Election Commissioners, and the fact that retired Election Commissioners can take up other government or non-government roles without restrictions.