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Gudelli SrujanaAIR 55· 2024

Question Q12GS2GS2

Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections in India. How will the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 impact the independence of the ECI? (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.26)

Introduction

Under Article 324, ECI is having the duty to conduct free and fair elections in country.

16 words

Main Body

Under Article 324, ECI is having the duty to conduct free and fair elections in country.

Role of ECI in ensuring free and fair elections:

1Awareness campaigns are seen to boat vote throughout.
2Use of technology to empower others.

=> C-vigil app.

3Registration of political parties.

=> Under RPA.

4Enforcement of Model Code.
5Timely conduction of elections.

=> To LS, state legislature, etc.

6Independence of the ECI is provided in Constitution.

=> Salaries cannot be changed + other disadvantage.

Impact of 2023 Act on independence of the ECI:

1The selection committee criteria is not transparent.

=> Headed by Ministry of law and Justice.

2The Appointment committee do not consist the judiciary. It impacts the transparency.

=> Against supreme court guidelines.

3The service conditions to be decided by the Union Government.
4The salaries and other perks also decided by the Union Government.

=> Earlier equalled to the judge of supreme court.

5The influence of the ruling government has invurred.
6The retirement age of the election commissioners has also changed to 40 years.

The 2023 Act while providing clear guidelines on the appointment process, it also tries to influence the ECI costre executive clout.

204 words14 paragraphs

Conclusion

The 2023 Act while providing clear guidelines on the appointment process, it also tries to influence the ECI costre executive clout.

21 words

Topper

Gudelli Srujana

AIR 552024

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act

Elections

Election Commission of India and Electoral Independence

Writing Stats

241

Total words

14

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone