Bihar Launches India’s First Mobile-Based e-Voting System.
Bihar Launches India’s First Mobile-Based e-Voting System.
Latest Update (June 2025)
Bihar has become the first Indian state to roll out a mobile-based e-voting system on a pilot basis.
The system is designed to enhance electoral participation, particularly among migrants, urban voters, and elderly citizens.
It was launched under the supervision of the Bihar State Election Commission, in collaboration with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and technical institutes.
Key Features of the e-Voting System
Feature
Description
Platform
Mobile app-based voting, secured with blockchain and facial recognition
Security Layers
Includes biometric verification, OTP authentication, and facial match
Accessibility
Voters can cast votes remotely from any geographic location within India
Pilot Location
Conducted in select urban wards and panchayat areas in Bihar
Developed By
State NIC, IIT Patna, and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
Objectives and Benefits
Objective
Benefit
Increase voter turnout
Especially from migrants and working professionals
Ensure inclusivity
Easier for elderly, disabled, and remote residents
Modernize electoral process
Supports Digital India and Good Governance goals
Prevent voter migration bottlenecks
Eliminates the need for physical return to native constituencies
Security & Privacy Measures
Layer
Purpose
Blockchain integration
Ensures tamper-proof records and transparency
Facial recognition + Aadhaar
Prevents impersonation and multi-voting
End-to-end encryption
Protects voter data and voting preferences
Relevance in Indian Electoral Context
Area
Significance
Electoral Reforms
Major step toward remote voting – long-standing demand by the ECI
Migrant Voting
India has over 45 crore internal migrants (Census 2011), many excluded from local polls
Urban Apathy
Tackles low turnout in urban constituencies (60% in cities vs 70%+ in rural)
Replicability
If successful, model may be adopted by other states and eventually for Lok Sabha elections
GS Paper Linkages
GS Paper
Topics
GS II
Electoral Reforms, E-Governance, Role of ECI, Federalism
GS III
Technology in Governance, Cybersecurity, Digital India
Essay
“Democracy and Technology: Can mobile-based voting enhance participation?
Challenges & Concerns
Issue
Implication
Digital divide
Poor access in rural/tribal areas may exclude vulnerable voters
Cybersecurity risks
Potential for hacking, data theft, and system compromise
Voter coercion at home
Home-based voting may reduce secrecy of ballot
Legal provisions
Needs ECI approval and amendments to Representation of People Act, 1951
Practice Mains Question
“With reference to the pilot e-voting initiative in Bihar, discuss the scope, benefits, and challenges of introducing mobile-based voting in India.” (15 marks)
Conclusion
Bihar’s mobile-based e-voting trial marks a technological leap in India’s electoral reforms.
Its success may determine the future of remote and inclusive voting, potentially revolutionizing democratic participation in the world’s largest democracy.
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