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Viksit Bharat Message : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken decisive action to address concerns regarding the delivery of ‘Viksit Bharat’ messaging over WhatsApp, directing the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to halt the dissemination of such messages immediately. This move comes amidst complaints of these messages continuing to be circulated despite the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the announcement of the General Elections 2024.
Addressing Complaints
The EC received numerous complaints regarding the persistence of ‘Viksit Bharat’ messages, which highlight government initiatives, on citizens’ phones even after the implementation of the MCC. In response to these concerns, the EC has requested an immediate compliance report from MeitY to address the issue promptly.
Explanation from MeitY
MeitY, in its response to the commission, acknowledged that while the messages were dispatched before the MCC came into effect, delays in delivery to recipients may have occurred due to systemic and network limitations.
Ensuring Fair Elections
This directive is part of a series of measures undertaken by the Election Commission to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a level playing field in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Reforms in Leadership Positions
In addition to addressing messaging concerns, the EC has initiated significant reforms, including the transfer of district police chiefs in Assam and Punjab who have familial ties to prominent politicians. Furthermore, “non-cadre” district magistrates and superintendents of police in certain states have been reassigned.
Focus on Cadre Officers
The Election Commission emphasized the importance of appointing cadre officers to critical positions, asserting that non-cadre officers should not occupy leadership roles meant for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers.
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Stringent Measures Implemented
The EC has taken a firm stance against the appointment of non-cadre officers to key positions, relocating eight non-cadre superintendents of police and district magistrates in Punjab, Odisha, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Additionally, district officials with familial connections to prominent politicians have been transferred to dispel any perceptions of bias or compromise in administration.
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Pre-emptive Measures
The transfer of officials to districts with potential conflicts of interest, such as SSP Bathinda in Punjab and SP Sonitpur in Assam, has been labeled a “pre-emptive measure” by the EC to prevent any doubts regarding the impartiality or integrity of the administration.
