Important Days |
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Context:
Every year on January 25, India celebrates National Voters’ Day which marks the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 1950. This special day, observed since 2011, aims to encourage voter participation and raise awareness about the importance of voting. It highlights the role of citizens in shaping the future of the nation through their votes. National Voters’ Day 2025: Theme The theme for National Voters’ Day 2025 is ‘Nothing like voting, I vote for sure’. This theme continues from last year. It highlights the importance of voting as a crucial tool for shaping the country’s leadership. National Voters’ Day 2025: History National Voters’ Day was introduced in 2011 to encourage young people to register as voters. The initiative came after it was noticed that many eligible youth were not signing up to vote. The then government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, decided to create a special day to focus on enrolling these young voters and giving them their voter identity cards (EPIC). January 25 was chosen for the occasion because it marks the day the Election Commission of India was established in 1950. National Voters’ Day 2025: Significance National Voters’ Day is an important occasion that highlights the significance of voting as both a right and a responsibility in a democracy. The day aims to spread awareness about the importance of voting and encourages citizens to actively participate in the electoral process. A key focus is on helping first-time voters by registering them and providing voter ID cards on this day. National Voters’ Day also plays a vital role in promoting electoral literacy by organising campaigns that educate people about the voting process and the impact of their vote. The day also celebrates the Election Commission of India and recognises its efforts in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections. Electorate Milestone: India’s voter base nears the 100 crore mark, with 99.1 crore registered voters, including 21.7 crore young electors (18-29 age group) and an improved Electoral Gender Ratio (from 948 in 2024 to 954 in 2025). Highlights of the 15th NVD: The President of India will present the Best Electoral Practices Awards. The Best Electoral Practice Award acknowledges excellence in election management, with awards for District Election Officers, Superintendents of Police, and states demonstrating exceptional performance. The ECI Coffee Table Book "India Votes 2024: A Saga of Democracy" and the publication "Belief in the Ballot: Human Stories Shaping India’s 2024 Elections" will be presented to the President. |
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About Election Commission of India (ECI)
Autonomous Constitutional Authority Administers Union/State elections: LS, RS, State LA, the offices of the President and VP Established: 25th January 1950 (National Voters’ Day) Constitutional Provisions Part XV - Article 324 to 329 Structure 1 Chief Election Commissioner and 2 Election Commissioners appointed by the President Tenure: 6 years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier Retiring ECs: Eligible for further appointment by the government Removal of CEC: Based on proven misbehavior or incapacity Requires a resolution supported by a majority of 2/3rd members present and voting, supported by more than 50% of the total strength of the house Major Roles and Responsibilities Determining Electoral Constituencies Preparing/Revising Electoral Rolls Notifying the schedules and dates of elections Registering political parties and granting them the status of national or state parties Issuing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for political parties Advising the President on matters concerning the disqualification of MPs Challenges Truncated Tenure of CEC Executive Influence in Appointments Dependence on Centre for Finance Lack of Independent Staff Current and 25th Chief Election Commissioner of India: Rajiv Kumar |
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