SUVIDHA PORTAL

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.pratidintime.com/lok-sabha-2024/suvidha-platform-processes-over-73000-requests-amid-election-code-enforcement

Context: The Suvidha portal, developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), is a technological solution aimed at ensuring fair and transparent elections by providing a level playing field for political parties and candidates.

About Suvidha Portal

• The primary objective of the Suvidha Portal is to streamline the process of requesting permissions and facilities by political parties and candidates during elections.
• These include permissions for organising rallies, opening temporary party offices, conducting door-to-door canvassing, deploying video vans and helicopters, obtaining vehicle permits, and distributing pamphlets.
• It upholds democratic principles by prioritising requests transparently based on the "First in First Out" principle, ensuring fairness in the allocation of resources and permissions.
• Political parties and candidates can easily request permissions online through the Suvidha Portal, making the process more accessible and convenient. Additionally, offline options are available to ensure inclusivity, allowing those without internet access to submit their requests through alternative means.

What can be done on the Suvidha Portal?

• Campaign Expenditure Management: Parties and candidates can file their election expenditure reports electronically through the Suvidha portal. This simplifies the process and reduces the need for physical paperwork.
• Permission Requests: Permissions for various campaign activities like rallies, meetings, and processions can be sought electronically through the portal. This eliminates the need for manual applications and allows for faster approvals.
• Candidate Information Management: Candidates can submit their nomination forms and affidavits online through the Suvidha portal. This expedites the nomination process and reduces the chances of errors.
• Expenditure Monitoring: Political parties and candidates can monitor their campaign expenditures in real-time through the portal. This helps them stay compliant with spending limits set by the ECI.
• Information Dissemination: The Suvidha portal serves as a central repository for election-related information. Parties and candidates can access and download vital documents like the Model Code of Conduct, electoral rolls, and polling booth locations.

Benefits of the Suvidha Portal

• Transparency: By making campaign expenditure reporting and permission requests electronic, the Suvidha portal increases transparency in the election process. It reduces the scope for manipulation and misuse of funds.
• Efficiency: The online platform streamlines various campaign-related tasks, saving time and effort for political parties and candidates. It eliminates the need for manual paperwork and multiple visits to government offices.
• Convenience: The Suvidha portal provides a user-friendly platform accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easier for parties and candidates, especially those in remote areas, to manage their campaigns effectively.
• Data Management: The portal facilitates electronic data storage and retrieval, making it easier for the ECI to monitor campaign activities and identify potential violations.

The recent news you mentioned indicates that the Suvidha portal has received a significant number of applications (over 73,000) for campaign-related activities during the Lok Sabha polls, which are the parliamentary elections in India. This high usage highlights the increasing adoption of the platform by political parties and candidates.

Source:

LIVEMINT

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The Suvidha portal is an online platform designed to manage: A) Election campaign activities in India B) Government social welfare schemes C) Tax filing and refunds D) Public transportation bookings Answer: A