Election Commission of India

Why is in news? Election Commission's cycle rally for the cause of Participative Elections

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioner (EC) launched the nation-wide Special Summary Revision (SSR) 2023 through various voter awareness building activities in Pune.

The day started with the CEC and EC participating in a bicycle rally, the theme of which was 'Pedal For Participative Elections'.

It spread the message of 'No Voter To Be Left Behind' and create awareness of inclusive and accessible elections and the importance of registering for the electoral roll and participating in the democratic process.

Election Commission of India:

Part XV and Article 324 of the Constitution of India entrusts Election Commission of India with superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls as the primary bedrock of conducting elections to Parliament and to legislature of every State.

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.

The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country.

Originally the commission had only one election commissioner but after the Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member body.

The commission consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

The secretariat of the commission is located in New Delhi.

At the state level election commission is helped by Chief Electoral Officer who is an IAS rank Officer.

The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

They have a fixed 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 only through a process of removal similar to that of a Supreme Court judge for by Parliament. Removal requires special majority of 2/3rd members present and voting supported by more than 50% of the total strength of the house.