ECI announces 18 electoral reforms: From cap to polling station footfall to updates to voter slips

Hyderabad: Limiting the number of voters per polling station and resolution of duplicate EPIC numbers are among the 18 significant reforms taken in the last three months by the Election Commission of India (ECI), chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Wednesday.

The measures have been done to improve voter access, streamline processes and strengthen transparency, he said. “These reforms reflect our commitment to a voter-centric, transparent, and efficient electoral system,” Kumar added.

Key reforms in electoral procedures include:

Polling Station Cap: Voters per polling station has been limited to 1,200 to reduce congestion.

Urban Access: Additional polling booths in high-rises and large colonies.

Electoral Roll Accuracy: Direct integration of death registration data from the Registrar General of India for real-time updates post-verification.

Unified Digital Platform: Launch of ECINET, replacing 40+ apps and websites with a single dashboard.

EPIC Reform: Resolution of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers with a unique identifier system.

Voter Slip Redesign: Serial and part numbers are displayed more prominently.

Administrative Efficiency: Biometric attendance and e-office introduced for staff.

The ECI has conducted 4,719 all-party meetings nationwide, engaging over 28,000 representatives. Separate consultations were held with AAP, BJP, BSP, CPI(M), and NPP leaders. Booth Level Agents are undergoing training at IIIDEM in Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

ECINET also supports 28 stakeholder groups identified under the Representation of the People Acts (1950 & 1951), with customised training materials under development.

To strengthen human resources, BLOs will receive standardised photo ID cards. Over 3,000 Booth Level Supervisors have been trained, with 100,000 more planned. Orientation sessions were held for State and Media Nodal Officers across 36 States/UTs and for police officials from Bihar.

“These reforms mark a decisive step toward a modern, inclusive, and accountable electoral process,” Kumar said.