SET: 2A (12102025) MLA ELECTIONS IN BIHAR
NOTES ON MLA ELECTIONS IN BIHAR
Topic : MLA ELECTIONS IN BIHAR (for G S
Papers) {Prepared on 12 .10.2025 }
For Study purpose only
NB: For any doubts clarification, please refer to the recommended text books
TOPIC : MLA ELECTIONS IN BIHAR
for
UPSC(CSE)(Prelims) Exams. ,2026
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
News :
Election Commission of India (hereinafter ECI) is mandated to conduct elections to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar in exercise of the authority and powers conferred upon it under Article 324 read with Article 172 (1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Total No. of Assembly Constituencies : 243
Reserved for SCs : 38
Reserved for STs : 02
Why Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar ?
Ans :SIR is made for updated electoral rolls
The Commission firmly believes that pure and updated electoral rolls are the foundation of democratic process. Hence, intensive and sustained focus is placed upon improving its quality, health and fidelity. After the amendment in the Section 14 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 by the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, there is a provision of four qualifying dates to enroll as a voter in a year. Accordingly, Commission has conducted the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Roll in Bihar with reference to 01.07.2025, as the qualifying date. After time-bound completion of Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to 01.07.2025 as the qualifying date, the final publication of electoral roll was done on 30.09.2025 in Bihar. The copies of the draft and final electoral rolls have been shared with all recognized political parties and uploaded on website.
No. of General voters in Bihar : 7,41,92,357
No. of Service Voters in Bihar : 1,63,619
Total Number of electors
as per electoral rolls : 7,43,55,976
It has been decided that there shall be a maximum of 1200 electors in a polling station.
No. of Polling Stations (in 2025 ) in Bihar : 90,712
The Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) that there should be proper transport facility for PwDs and senior citizens electors in each and every polling station on the day of poll. The PwD electors can request for wheelchair facility by registering on Divyang (Saksham)
Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar to take necessary steps for the dissemination of information and extending facilitation to the above categories of Voters.
Political Parties setting up candidates with Criminal Cases:
In pursuance of the Hon'ble Supreme Court Order dated 13.02.2020 in Contempt Petition (C)No. 2192 of 2018 in WP(C) No. 536 of 2011, it is mandatory for political parties (at the Central and State election level) to upload on their website detailed information regarding individuals with pending criminal cases (including the nature of the offences and relevant particulars such as whether charges have been framed, the concerned Court, the case number etc.) who
have been selected as candidates, along with the reasons for such selection, as also as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates. The reasons as to selection shall be with reference to the qualifications, achievements and merit of the candidate concerned, and not mere "winnability" at the polls.
The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Contempt Petition (C) No. 656/2020 in Contempt Petition (C) No. 2192/2018 in WP(C) No. 536/2011 issued some additional directions vide judgment dated 10.08.2021, which has been circulated vide Commission’s letter No. 3/4/SDR/VOL.I dated 26.08.2021, which is available on the Commission’s website. Following are the directions which are concerned with the political parties: -
A)Political parties are to publish information regarding criminal antecedents of candidates on the homepage of their websites, thus making it easier for the voter to get to the information that has to be supplied. It will also become necessary now to have on the homepage a caption which “candidates with criminal antecedents”
B)We clarify that the direction in paragraph 4.4 of our Order dated 13.02.2020 be modified and it is clarified that the details which are required to be published, shall be published within 48 hours of the selection of the candidate and not prior to two weeks before the first date of filing of nominations; and
C)We reiterate that if such a political party fails to submit such compliance report with the ECI, the ECI shall bring such noncompliance by the political party to the notice of this Court as being in contempt of this Court’s Orders/directions, which shall in future be viewed very seriously
What is Eco-friendly election ?
The Election Commission has issued advisories on several occasions urging political parties and candidates to use only environment-friendly material and to avoid single-use plastic and non-biodegradable material in their election campaign activities. Protecting the environment is not an individual task but a collective responsibility and hence the Commission urges all the political parties to avoid the use of plastic/polythene and similar non-biodegradable materials for preparation of posters, banners, etc. during election campaign in the interest of environment and human health. In this connection, on 18.08.2023, Commission has issued a compiled instruction to all CEO and political parties to make our election eco-friendly.
Further, NGT has also asked all concerned for close monitoring of Election Commission of India’s instructions in this regard
Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is applicable to whom ?
(i) Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from the announcement of schedule. All the provisions of the Model Code will apply to the whole of Bihar with regard to all candidates, political parties and the State government of Bihar. The Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Central Government so far as announcements/policy decisions pertaining to/for Bihar are concerned.
(ii) The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of MCC Guidelines. Any violation of these Guidelines would be dealt with strictly and the Commission re-emphasizes that the instructions issued in this regard from time to time should be read and understood by all political parties, contesting candidates and their agents/representatives, to avoid any misgivings or lack of information or inadequate understanding/interpretation. The State Government of Bihar has also been directed to ensure that no misuse of official machinery/position is done during the MCC period
(iii) The Commission has also issued instructions for swift, effective and stringent action for enforcement of Model Code of Conduct during the first 72 hours of announcement of the election schedule and also for maintaining extra vigilance and strict enforcement action in the last 72 hours prior to the close of polls. These instructions have been issued in the form of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for compliance by the field election machinery.
What is Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)?
Ans : Systematic Voters’ Education & Electoral Participation is a multi-intervention program that reaches out to educate citizens about the electoral process in order to increase their awareness and participation.
What is ECINET ?
The Commission has enhanced usage of IT Applications, to usher in greater citizen participation and transparency. Election Commission of India has operationalized the new digital platform ECINET that is a unified platform with a unique data delivery dashboard as per the role of each stakeholder. ECINET is the integration of over 40 existing mobile and web applications of ECI such as MCC Violation, Polling trends, ENCORE, ETPBMS, etc. ECINET is one of the various initiatives taken up by ECI recently for the timely and updated disclosure of election information for the benefit of the voters and other stakeholders. ECINET has enabled quick sharing of information, increased transparency and a significant reduction in time lag in publishing VTR trends.
What is Suvidha 2.0 ?
Suvidha 2.0: This application has both a portal and mobile app. It provides
various facilities to candidates/ political parties for online nomination, Permissions etc.. as given below:-
1). Candidate Online Nomination:
2)Candidate Permissions module
================================================ Question : In ECI how are Commissioners are there ?
Ans : One Chief Election Commissioner and Two Election Commissioners . Total Three .
Question: Who is Chief Election Commissioner in Election Commission of India ?
Ans: Gyanesh Kumar [Shri Gyanesh Kumar took charge as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India on 19th February 2025]
Question : Who are the other two election Commissioners, in ECI ? Ans : Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr.Vivek Joshi
Question: Who is the first Chief Election Commissioner, in ECI ? Ans : Sukumar Sen ( from 21 March 1950 to 19 December 1958) Question : What is ‘delimitation’ ?
Ans : Delimitation literally means the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body. The job of delimitation is assigned to a high power body. Such a body is known as Delimitation Commission or a Boundary Commission.
In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times – in 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, in 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, in 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and in 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002.
The Delimitation Commission in India is a high power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. These orders come into force on a date to be specified by the President of India in this behalf. The copies of its orders are laid before the House of the People and the State
Legislative Assembly concerned, but no modifications are permissible therein by them.
Question: What are the relevant Articles in Constitution of India about ‘delimitation’ ?
Ans : Under the provisions of article 82 and article 170(3) of the Constitution, as amended by the Constitution (Eighty-fourth Amendment) Act, 2001, Parliament enacted the Delimitation Act, 2002 (33 of 2002) and a Delimitation Commission was set up to readjust the division of each State and Union territory into territorial constituencies for the purpose of elections to the House of the People and to the State Legislative Assemblies.
============================================== Selection process of Chief Election Commissioner(after March,2023) :
In March 2023, while examining the appointment of the CEC and ECs, the Supreme Court declared that their appointment should not be done solely by the Executive. The Court noted that the ECI should be independent of Executive control. It mandated a selection process, which would hold until Parliament makes a law. The Court directed that the appointment should be done by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee.
The Selection Committee will consist of:
(i) the Prime Minister,
(ii) the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha,(or leader of the single largest opposition party).; and
(iii) the Chief Justice of India.
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Bill, 2023, was introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 10, 2023. It repeals the 1991 Act and provides for the appointment process and conditions of services for the CEC and ECs.
[Note: In 1991, Parliament passed the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act. The Act set the salary of the CEC and ECs at the same level as a Supreme Court judge. It did not provide for their appointment process, which continued to be decided by the President.]
==================================================== Qualification :
The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall be appointed from amongst persons who are holding or have held a post equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the Government of India and shall be persons of integrity, who have knowledge of and experience in management and conduct of elections.
Search Committee :
A Search Committee headed by the Minister of Law and Justice and comprising two other members not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, shall prepare a panel of five persons for consideration of the Selection Committee, for appointment as the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Section 7 : Selection Committee :
(1) The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of–
(a) the Prime Minister---Chairperson;
(b) the Leader of Opposition in the House of the People---Member; (c) a Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister---Member.
Explanation.---For the purposes of removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that where the Leader of Opposition in the House of the People has not been recognised as such, the leader of the single largest party in opposition of the Government in the House of the People shall be deemed to be the Leader of Opposition
(2) The appointment of Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall not be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy in or any defect in the constitution of, the Selection Committee.
The CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and Leader of Opposition/leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
========================================================== Question: Who appoints Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners in
ECI ?
Ans : The Commissioners will be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Selection Committee.
Question: What is the term and reappointment of Election Commissioners ? Ans : Term and reappointment: Members of the Election Commission will hold office for six years, or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Members of the Commission cannot be re-appointed. If an EC is appointed as a CEC, the overall period of the term may not be more than six years.
Question : What is the Salary and Pension of CED and ECs in ECI ?
Ans : Salary and pension: The salary, allowances, and other conditions of service of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of the Cabinet Secretary. They will have an option to draw pension and other retirement benefits from the service that they belonged to previously.
Question: How CEC and ECs can be removed ?
Ans : The Bill retains the manner of removal of CEC and ECs as specified in the Constitution. The CEC may be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court Judge. ECs may be removed only upon the recommendation of the CEC.
Question: What is the eligibility criteria of CEC and ECs ?
Ans : The CEC and ECs must: (i) be persons of integrity, (ii) have knowledge and experience in the management and conduct of elections, and (iii) be or have been Secretary (or equivalent) to the government.
(Extract from Constitution of India )
PART XV
ELECTIONS
Article 324:. Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.—(1) The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President held under this Constitution 1 *** shall be vested in a Commission (referred to in this Constitution as the Election Commission).
(2) The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners
shall, subject to the provisions of any law made in that behalf by Parliament, be made by the President.
(3) When any other Election Commissioner is so appointed the Chief Election Commissioner shall act as the Chairman of the Election Commission.
(4) Before each general election to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of each State, and before the first general election and thereafter before each biennial election to the Legislative Council of each State having such Council, the President may also
appoint after consultation with the Election Commission such Regional Commissioners as he may consider necessary to assist the Election Commission in the performance of the functions conferred on the Commission by clause (1).
(5) Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the conditions of service and tenure of office of the Election Commissioners and the Regional Commissioners shall be such as the President may by rule determine:
Provided that the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court and the conditions of service of the Chief Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment:
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1. The words "including the appointment of election tribunals for the decision of doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with elections to Parliament and to the Legislatures of States" omitted by the Constitution (Nineteenth Amendment) Act, 1966, s. 2 (w.e.f. 11-12-1966)
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provided further that any other Election Commissioner or a Regional Commissioner shall not be removed from office except on the recommendation of the Chief Election Commissioner. (6) The President, or the Governor 1 *** of a State, shall, when so requested by the Election Commission, make available to the Election Commission or to a Regional Commissioner such staff as may be necessary for the discharge of the functions conferred on the Election Commission by clause (1).
Article 325:. No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special, electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex.—There shall be one general electoral roll for every territorial constituency for election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State and no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in any such roll or claim to be included in any special electoral roll for any such constituency on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or any of them.
Article 326: Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage.—The elections to the House of the People and to
the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage; that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than 2 [eighteen years] of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election
Article 327: . Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to Legislatures.—Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may from time to time by law make provision with respect to all matters relating to, or in connection with, elections to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State including the preparation of electoral rolls, the delimitation of constituencies and all other matters necessary for securing the due constitution of such House or Houses.
—-------------------------------------------------
1. The words "or Rajpramukh" omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, s. 29 and Sch. (w.e.f. 1-11-1956). 2. Subs. by the Constitution (Sixty-first Amendment) Act, 1988, s. 2, for "twenty-one years" (w.e.f. 28-3-1989). —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 328: Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature.—Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and in so far as provision in that behalf is not made by Parliament, the Legislature of a State may from time to time by law make provision with respect to all matters relating to, or in connection with, the elections to the House or either House of the Legislature of the State including the preparation of electoral rolls and all other matters necessary for securing the due constitution of such House or Houses.
Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters.— 1 [Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution 2 ***—
(a) the validity of any law relating to the delimitation of constituencies or the allotment of seats to such constituencies, made or purporting to be made under article 327 or article 328, shall not be called in question in any court;
(b) no election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State shall be called in question except by an election petition presented to such authority and in such manner as may be provided for by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature. 3 329A. [Special provision as to elections to Parliament in the case of Prime Minister and Speaker.].—Omitted by the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978, s. 36 (w.e.f. 20-6-1979).
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1. Subs. by the Constitution (Thirty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1975, s. 3, for certain words (w.e.f. 10-8-1975). 2. The words, figures and letter "but subject to the provisions of article 329A" omitted by the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1978, s. 35 (w.e.f. 20-6-1979). 3. Ins. by the Constitution (Thirty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1975, s. 4 (w.e.f.
10-8-1975).
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====================================================================== ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA :
The Constitution of India has vested in the Election Commission of India the superintendence, direction and control of the entire process for conduct of elections to Parliament and Legislature of every State and to the offices of President and Vice-President of India.
Election Commission of India is a permanent Constitutional Body. The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950. The Commission celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2001.
Originally the commission had only a Chief Election Commissioner. It currently consists of Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
For the first time two additional Commissioners were appointed on 16th October 1989 but they had a very short tenure till 1st January 1990. Later, on 1st October 1993 two additional Election Commissioners were appointed. The concept of multi-member Commission has been in operation since then, with decision making power by majority vote.
Who appoints Chief Election Commissioner ?
The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office in like manner and on like grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
Five or Six Deputy Election Commissioners and Director Generals who are the senior officers in the Secretariat assist the Commission. They are generally appointed from the national civil service of the country and are selected and appointed by the Commission with tenure. Directors, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries, Under Secretaries and Deputy Secretary support the Deputy Election Commissioners and Director Generals in turn. There is functional and territorial distribution of work in the Commission. The work is organised in Divisions, Branches and Sections; each of the last mentioned units is in charge of a Section Officer. The main functional divisions are Administration,Electoral Roll, Election Expenditure Management, Information Systems, International Cooperation, Judicial, Media,Planning,Political Parties, Secretariat Co-ordination, and Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP). The territorial work is distributed among separate units responsible for different Zones into which the 36 constituent States and Union Territories of the country are grouped for convenience of management.
STATE ELECTION COMMISSION :
At the state level, the election work is supervised, subject to overall superintendence, direction and
control of the Commission, by the Chief Electoral Officer of the State, who is appointed by the Commission from amongst senior civil servants from a panel of officers proposed by the concerned state government. He is, in most of the States, a full time officer and has a small team of supporting staff.
DISTRICT ELECTION OFFICER :
At the district and constituency levels, the District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers and Returning Officers, who are assisted by a large number of functionaries, perform election work. They all perform their functions relating to elections in addition to their other responsibilities. During election time, however, they are available to the Commission, more or less, on a full time basis. The ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA with a view to reform electoral process has taken some more initiatives recently, which are given below:-
1. Requirement of publishing details of candidates with pending criminal cases:
In pursuance of the directions given by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in its Order dated 13.02.2020 the Commission, after due consideration has directed that all political parties, that set up candidates with criminal antecedents, either pending cases or cases of past conviction shall scrupulously follow each of the directions given by Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment in all future elections to the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures.
2. Optional Postal Ballot facility for Absentee voters:
Rule 27A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 has been amended vide Notifications dated 22.10.2019 and 19.06.2020. By the said two amendments “Absentee voters” have an option entitled to vote by postal ballot. “Absentee Voter” has been defined in clause (aa) of Rule-27A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and includes person who is employed in essential services, senior citizens, persons with disability and COVID 19 suspect or affected persons. The category of essential service is notified by the Election Commission under Section 60(C) of the RP Act, 1951 in consultation with the Central Government.
3. Optional facility of online data entry of personal details by candidates in Nomination Form and Affidavit:
In order to move forward in the way of digital India and to minimize scope of mistakes in nomination form and the affidavit (Form-26), the Commission has provided an optional facility to the candidates for online data entry of personal details in nomination form. This facility is available for the candidates through the Election Commission's Suvidha portal.
4. Requirement of publishing details of candidates with criminal antecedents contesting election:
In pursuance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgment in the matter, the Commission has issued instructions for publishing details of criminal antecedents of the contesting candidates by the political parties and the candidates themselves. Various Formats for publishing such details have also been devised by the Commission.
5. Eco-friendly elections:
Commission has been asking all the political parties and instructed to take adequate steps and measures to not use single-use plastic as campaign materials (posters, banners etc.,) during the elections in the interest of human health and environment.
6. Four qualifying dates for enrolment in the Electoral Roll:-
The Law has been amended to provide four qualifying dates for enrolment in the electoral roll. Now any citizen turning 18 years on 1st January, 1st April, 1st July or 1st October can file his claim for enrolment in any quarter of the year.
7. Free time on DD & AIR to political parties to propagate the policies.
Commission notified a Scheme for use of Govt. owned Electronic media by Political parties, on 16th January 1998 which also holds a statutory basis under Section 39A of the R.P. Act, 1951 which provides free time on DD & AIR. Recently, the Commission has amended the existing scheme by introducing a provision to issue digital time vouchers through an Information Technology (IT) platform. With this facilitation, the political parties will not be required to send their representatives to EC/CEO Offices for collection of the time vouchers physically during elections.
Question : What is SVEEP ?
Systematic Voters' Education & Electoral Participation (SVEEP) is a Multi-intervention programme that reaches out to educate citizens about the electoral process in order to increase awareness and participation. The objectives of SVEEP are to increase electoral participation through voter registration and turnout, to increase qualitative participation in terms of ethical and informed voting and continuous electoral and democracy education.
JUDICIAL REVIEW :
The elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures can be challenged in the High Court and the Supreme Court of India by an election petition after elections
are over. By virtue of Article 329 of the Constitution once the actual process of elections is started, the judiciary cannot intervene by entertaining petitions on the conduct of the polls. Once the polls are completed and result declared, the Commission cannot review any result on its own. This can only be reviewed through the process of an election petition, which can be filed before the High Court, in respect of elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures. In respect of elections for the offices of the President and Vice President, such petitions can only be filed before the Supreme Court.
ADVISORY JURISDICTION AND qUASI JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS :
Under the Constitution, the Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures. The cases of persons found guilty of corrupt practices at elections which come before the Supreme Court and High Courts are also referred to the Commission for its opinion on the question as to whether such person shall be disqualified from contesting elections and, if so, for what period. The opinion of the Commission in all such matters is binding on the President or, as the case may be, the Governor to whom such opinion is tendered.
The Commission has the power to disqualify a candidate who has failed to lodge an account of his election expenses within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. The Commission has also the power for removing or reducing the period of such disqualification as also other disqualification under the law.
BUDGET AND EXPENDITURE :
The Secretariat of the Commission has an independent budget, which is finalised directly in consultation between the Commission and the Finance Ministry of the Union Government. The latter generally accepts the recommendations of the Commission for its budgets. The major expenditure on actual conduct of elections is, however, reflected in the budgets of the Ministry of Law & Justice (for Government of India share) and the concerned States/UTs. If elections are being held only for the Parliament, the expenditure is borne entirely by the Union Government while for the elections being held only for the State Legislature, the expenditure is borne entirely by the concerned State. In case of simultaneous elections to the Parliament and State Legislature, the expenditure is shared equally between the Union and the State Governments. For Capital equipment, expenditure related to preparation for electoral rolls and the scheme for Electors' Identity Cards too, the expenditure is shared equally.
================================================================== QUESTIONS :
1)Which authority conducts elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India ?
Ans : Election Commission of India
Under Article 324(1) of the Constitution of India, the Election Commission of India, interalia, is vested with the power of superintendence, direction and control of conducting the elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India. Detailed provisions are made under the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the rules made thereunder.
2)Which authority conducts elections to Parliament?
Ans : Election Commission of India
The same Article 324 also vests in the Commission the powers of superintendence, direction and control of the elections to both Houses of Parliament. Detailed provisions are made under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder.
3) Which authority conducts elections to the State Legislative Assemblies and Legislative Councils?
Ans : Election Commission of India
Article 324 (1) also vests in the Commission the powers of superintendence, direction and control of the elections to both Houses of the State Legislature. Detailed provisions are made under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder.
4) Which authority conducts elections to Corporations, Municipalities and other Local Bodies ?
Ans : State Election Commission
The State Election Commissions constituted under the Constitution (Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth) Amendments Act, 1992 for each State / Union Territory are vested with the powers of conduct of elections to the Corporations, Muncipalities, Zilla Parishads, District Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Gram Panchayats and other local bodies. They are independent of the Election Commission of India.
5)What is the present composition of the Election Commission? Ans : Three Member body
At present, the Election Commission of India is a three-member body, with one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
6)Has the Election Commission been a multi-member body from the beginning?
Ans : No
It was not a multi member body from the beginning. It was a single - member body when it was first set up in 1950 and up to 15th October, 1989 with only the Chief Election Commissioner. From 16th October, 1989 upto the 1st January, 1990, it became a three-member body with R.V.S.Peri Sastri (C.E.C) and S.S.Dhanoa and V.S.Seigell as Election Commissioners. From 2nd January, 1990 to 30th September, 1993, it was a single-member Commission and again from 1st October, 1993 it has become a three-member Commission.
7)What is the status Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners in terms of salaries and allowances etc.?
Ans : Equivalent to Supreme Court Judges
The Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners draw salaries and allowances at par with those of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India as provided for by the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1992.
8)What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner? Is it different from the Election Commissioners?
Ans : The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner holds office for a term of six years from the date on which he assumes his office. However, where the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner attains the age of sixty-five years before the expiry of the said term of six years, he shall vacate his office on the the date on which he attains sixty-five years of age.
9)When the Commissioner becomes a multi-member Commission, how are the decisions taken, whether by majority or by consensus?
Ans : Section 10 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Amendment Act, 1993 is reproduced below:-
(1) The Election Commission may be by unanimous decision, regulate the procedure for transaction of to business as also allocation of its business amongst the Chief Election Commissioner and their Election Commissioners.
(2) Save as provided in sub section (i) all business of the Election Commission shall, as far as possible, be transacted unanimously.
(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (ii), if the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners differ in opinion on any matter, such matter
shall be decided by according to the opinion of the majority.
10)Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioners and Election Commissioners? Ans : President of India
Under Article 324(2) of the Constitution of India, the President of India is empowered to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners.
11)Who fixes the number of Election Commissioners (other than Chief Election Commissioner)? Ans : President of India
Article 324(2) also empowers the President of India to fix from time to time the number of Election Commissioners other than the Chief Election Commissioner.
12)Who supervises the election work in a State ?
Ans : Chief Electoral Officer
As per section 13A of the Representation of the People Act 1950, read with section 20 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Chief Electoral Officer of a State/ Union Territory is authorised to supervise the election work in the State/Union Territory subject to the overall superintendence, direction and control of the Election Commission.
13)Who appoints the Chief Electoral Officer?
Ans : Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an Officer of the Government of the State/Union Territory as the Chief Electoral Officer in consultation with that State Government/Union Territory Administration.
14)Who supervises the election work in a District?
Ans : District Election Officer
As per section 13AA of the Representation of the People Act 1950, subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the Chief Electoral Officer, the District Election Officer supervises the election work of a district.
15)Who appoints District Election Officer ?
Ans : Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an Officer of the State Government as the District Election Officer in consultation with the State Government.
16)Who is responsible for the conduct of elections in any Parliamentary or Assembly constituency ?
Ans : Returning Officer (RO)
The Returning Officer of a parliamentary or assembly constituency is responsible for the conduct of elections in the parliamentary or assembly constituency concerned as per section 21 of the Representation of the People Act 1951. 17)Who appoints Returning Officer ?
Ans : Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India nominates or designates an officer of the Government or a local authority as the Returning Officer for each of the assembly and parliamentary constituencies in consultation with the State Government/Union Territory Administration. In addition, the Election Commission of India also appoints one or more Assistant Returning Officers for each of the assembly and parliamentary constituencies to assist the Returning Officer in the performance of his functions in connection with the conduct of elections.
18)Who is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for a Parliamentary or Assembly Constituency?
Ans : Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)
The Electoral Registration officer is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for a parliamentary / assembly constituency.
19) Who conducts the poll at a polling station?
Ans. Presiding Officer
The Presiding Officer with the assistance of polling officers conducts the poll at a polling station.
20)Who appoints the Electoral Registration officer?
Ans. Under section 13B of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Election Commission of India, in consultation with the State / UT Government, appoints an Officer of the Government or the Local Authorities as the Electoral Registration
Officer. In addition, the Election Commission of India also appoints one or more Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to assist the Electoral Registration Officer in the performance of his functions in the matter of preparation / revision of electoral rolls.
21)Who appoints Presiding Officers and Polling Officers?
Ans. District Election Officer (DEO)
Under section 26 of the Representation of the People Act 1951, the District Election Officer appoints the Presiding Officers and the Polling Officers. In the case of Union Territories, such appointments are made by the Returning Officers. 22)Who appoints Observers?
Ans. Election Commission of India (ECI)
Under section 20B of the Representation of the People Act 1951, the Election Commission of India nominates officers of Government as Observers (General Observers and Election Expenditure Observers) for parliamentary and assembly constituencies. They perform such functions as are entrusted to them by the Commission. Earlier, the appointment of Observers was made under the plenary powers of the Commission. But with the amendments made to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 in 1996, these are now statutory appointments. They report directly to the Commission.
============================================================== = 1) Chief Election Commissioner of India is appointed by :
(A) UPSC
(B) Prime Minister of India
(C) President of India
(D) None of the above
2) Under which of the following provision is the Booth Level Officer (BLO) appointed? (A) Section 13 B (2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. (B) Section 13 CC
of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. (C) Section 26 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
(D) Rule 14 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
3) What actions can be taken by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) with reference to the Electoral Roll?
(A) Addition
(B) Deletion
(C) Correction
(D) All of the above
4) What is the maximum age prescribed for registration in electoral roll? (A) 80 years
(B) 90 years
(C) 100 years
(D) No limit
5) Which form no.is prescribed for inclusion of name in electoral roll as overseas elector?
(A) Form -6
(B) Form -8
(C) Form -6A
(D) Form -8A
6) In NCT of Delhi, electoral rolls are maintained ?
(A) Parliamentary Constituencies wise
(B) Assembly constituencies wise
(C) Both a & b
(D) None of the above
7) What is maximum permissible limit of distance normally for voters to reach his/her polling station?
(A) Upto 1 KM
(B) Upto 2 KM
(C) Upto 3 KM
(D) Upto 4 KM
8) In case of lost EPIC (Voter I Card), duplicate EPIC can be issued on payment of prescribed fee o f Rs. _? (
A) 10/-
(B) 25/-
(C) 50/-
(D) 75/-
9) Booth Level Agents can be appointed by ?
(A) Returning Officer (RO)
(B) District Election Officer (DEO)
(C) Political Party
(D) MLA
10) How many maximum candidates can be set in one ballot unit?
(A) 24
(B) 16
(C) 28
(D) 32
11) The Counting of voters is done by using? (A) Ballot Unit
(B) Control Unit
(C) Both A & B
(D) Any of the above
12) The EVM is closed at the end of poll by – (A) Candidate
(B) Returning Officer
(C) ERO
(D) Polling Officer in charge
13) EVM after polling and before counting is kept in:- ( A) RO Office
(B) ERO Office
(C) Strong Room
(D) ECI Office
14) The last part of the electoral roll:-
(A) Is concerned with the addition supplement
(B) Is for electors who hold a declared office.
(C) Is concerned with service electors.
(D) Is concerned with those electors who have appointed a proxy electors on their behalf.
15) EPIC does not contain:-
(A) Facsimile signature of ERO
(B) Hologram
(C) Elector’s Photograph
(D) Facsimile signature of DEO
16) The Indian Parliament consists of the following
Houses:- (A) Only Lok Sabha
(B) Only Rajya Sabha
(C) Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
(D) None of these
17). Which of the following is essential for being eligible to cast a vote? (A) Having EPIC
(B) Having passport
(C) Having ration card
(D) Having name enrolled in electoral roll.
18) Who is responsible for preparation of Electoral Roll?
(A) RO
(B) AERO
(C) ERO
(D) BLO
19). For how many years, an MLA is elected?
(A) 04 years
(B) 05 years
(C) 06 years
(D) 07 years
20). What is the total number of seats in Lok Sabha?
(A) 555
(B) 535
(C) 545
(D) 575
21) Symbols to the political parties at the time of election are allotted by:- (A) Election Commission of India.
(B) CEO of the State.
(C) Returning Officer.
(D) District Election Officer
22) Which of the following category of voter are entitled to vote by post? (A) Service voters
(B) General Voters
(C) Overseas voters
(D) None of the above
23) Which authority conducts elections to the offices of the President and Vice-President of India?
(A) Parliament
(B) Supreme Court of India
(C) Election commission of India(ECI)
(D) State election commission
24) Which authority conducts elections to Parliament?
(A) Parliament
(B) Election Commission of India (ECI)
(C) Supreme Court
(D) State Election Commission
25) What is the full form of NOTA
(A) None of those above
(B) None of these above
(C) None of the above
(D) Not of the above
Answers :
1. C 2. A 3. D 4. D 5. C 6. B 7. B
8. B 9. C 10. B 11. B 12. D 13. C 14. C 15. D 16. C 17. D 18. C 19. B 20. C 21. A 22. A 23. C 24. B 25. C
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