AERO
The Election Commission of India 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.
AFSO
The Assistant Food and Supplies officer is the head of the block and functions under the control of the District Food & Supplies Officer as well as the District Food & Supplies Controller.
Age proof
You are required to show proof of age the first time you register to vote. You have to produce any of the following documents as proof:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- State board exam certificate
- Driving license
Amendment
Changes in the Constitution can be implemented through amendments. Article 368 of the Constitution provides that amendments to the Constitution can take place in three ways. They are:
By simple majority of the Parliament: Amendments in this category can be made by a simple majority of members present and voting, before sending them for the Presidents assent.
By special majority of the Parliament: Amendments can be made in this category by a two-third majority of the total number of members present and voting, which should not be less than half of the total membership of the house.
By special majority of the Parliament and ratification by at least half of the state legislatures by special majority. After this, it is sent to the President for his assent. Anything which you want to amend under Article 368 requires this kind of majority to be proved.
Article
Articles in the constitution of India will be referred to specific provisions one by one.
Assembly Constituency
A geographical area represented by a member of the Legislative Assembly. Each Parliamentary constituency is made up of an integral number of assembly constituencies.
Booth Level Officer
A Booth Level Officer (BLO) assists the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) in improving the quality and accuracy of electoral rolls. Each polling booth has a BLO who makes frequent visits to attain data on shifted or deceased voters as well as attempting to maximize the coverage of EPICs (Electors Photo Identity Card). BLOs generally come from State Government or Local Body Offices and are appointed by the District Election Officers (DEOs) on the instruction of the Electoral Commission of India (ECI).
Cabinet Minister
A cabinet of ministers of the Government of India led by the Prime Minister of India is referred to as the Union Cabinet in India. The Prime Minister has the right to decide who he wants to include in his cabinet of ministers and what portfolio is to be assigned to them.
Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Article 63 of the Constitution of India provides that there shall be a Vice-President of India. Articles 64 and 89(1) provide that the Vice-President of India shall be ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States i.e. Rajya Sabha and shall not hold any other office of profit. In the constitutional set-up, the holder of the office of Vice-President is part of the Executive but as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha he is a part of Parliament. He has thus a dual capacity and holds two distinct and separate offices. To be qualified for election as Vice-President, Article 66(3), a person has to be a citizen of India, has completed the age of 35 years and must be qualified to be elected as a member of Rajya Sabha.
Chief Election Commissioner
Originally the Election Commission had only a Chief Election Commissioner. It currently consists of Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. The President appoints the 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 perks available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only through impeachment by Parliament. The Current Chief Election Commissioner is N. Gopalaswami.
Chief Electoral Officer
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) supervises the election work related to Assembly and Parliament elections in a state. 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.
Chief Minister
Chief Minister in India is the elected head of government at the level of States. He or she is elected by legislators of the political party or coalition commanding an assembly majority, and serves a five-year term with a provision of re-election.
Comprehensive Revision
Comprehensive Revision is done by enumerators visiting house to house. The enumerator mainly verifies the following claims. He checks the authenticity of people who are claiming the adult saffron age.
- Shifting cases
- Death cases
- Whether an EPIC has been issued to the elector earlier
Constitution
The Constitution of India lays down the basic structure of government under which the people are to be governed. It establishes the main organs of government - the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. The Constitution not only defines the powers of each organ, but also demarcates their responsibilities. It regulates the relationship between the different organs and between the government and the people. It thus forms the basis of politics in India. The Constitution is superior to all other laws of the country. Every law enacted by the government has to be in conformity with the Constitution. Passed by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, it came into effect on January 26, 1950. It contains 395 articles, 12 schedules and 83 amendments
Corporator
Corporator's are elected from each ward. People elected representatives in the Municipal Corporation are known as Corporator's. Municipal Corporator's should ensure implementation of Citizens Charter, safeguard municipal properties, and oversee proper maintenance of drinking water, drainage and lighting facilities.
Councilor
People elected representatives in the Municipality/Municipal Council are known as Councilors.
Delimitation Commission
Under Article 82 of the Constitution, the Parliament by law enacts a Delimitation Act after every census. After coming into force commencement of the Act, the Central Government constitutes a Delimitation Commission. This Delimitation Commission demarcates the boundaries of the Parliamentary Constituencies as per provisions of the Delimitation Act. The present delimitation of constituencies is based on 1971 census figures. Notwithstanding the above, the Constitution of India was specifically amended in 1976 not to have delimitation of constituencies till the first census after 2000. Thus, the Constituencies carved out on the basis of 1971 census are continuing. The census data of 2001 was released on December 31st, 2003. Using these figures, a new Delimitation exercise had been implemented in April 2008.
Democracy
Rule by a government where the people as a whole hold the power. It may be exercised by them (direct democracy), or through representatives chosen by them (representative democracy).
Deputy Commissioner
The Deputy Commissioner is the Chief Revenue Officer as District Collector and is responsible for collection of Revenue and other Govt. dues recoverable as arrears of Land Revenue. Under the Registration Act the District Collector exercises the Powers of Registrar of the District and he controls and supervises the work of Registration of deeds. He also functions as Marriage Officer under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
Direct Democracy
Sovereignty is lodged in the assembly of all citizens who choose to participate.
District Collector/District Magistrate
The administration of the Police in a district is vested in the District Superintendent, but under the General direction of the District Magistrate as per provisions of section 4 of the Indian Police Act, 1861. The District Magistrate is the head of the Criminal Administration of the District and the Police force is the instrument provided by Government to enable him to enforce his authority and fulfill his responsibility for the maintenance of Law & Order. He is authorized to inspect the Offices of Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, Treasuries, Sub Treasuries, Jails, Hospitals, Dispensaries, Schools, Blocks, Police Stations
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. 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.
Draft roll
Before final rolls get published the ERO publishes draft rolls. You can check your name in the draft roll, which will be available at the office of the ERO to confirm that your name is included in the roll. The main purpose of this display is to eliminate the genuine grievances of the electors.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
The Election Commission is the apex body that conducts the elections in India. It was established on January 25, 1950. The Election Commission of India is an autonomous, quasi-judiciary constitutional body created to conduct free and fair elections to representative bodies in India. Election for the Parliament, President, Vice President, State legislative assemblies and Legislative councils are held in accordance with the clear rules laid down by the Election Commission of India. The Election Commission comprises high-ranking government officials and is formed under the guidelines of the Indian Constitution. The Election Commission is a highly powerful body, even the judiciary resists from intervening while the electoral process is on. The work of the Election Commission typically starts with the announcement of various important dates and deadlines related to the election, including the dates for voter registration, the filing of nominations, counting and results. Its activities continue throughout the time-period, when the elections are conducted in the country. The responsibilities of the EC finally conclude with the submission of the results of the elections.
Electoral roll
For every constituency, there is a list of voters which is called electoral roll.
Electoral System
There are two kinds of electoral system, first past the post system and proportional representation.
EPIC
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been endeavoring to improve the fidelity of Electoral Rolls and to evolve methods to eradicate bogus voting. The ECI has directed the identification of electors on the poll day by means of Electors Photo Identity Card in order to prevent impersonation. Any person who is registered as an elector in an Assembly Constituency, who has not been issued with Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) can be issued with EPIC. An elector will be issued only one EPIC during his life time. The card will be treated as a permanent document valid for the lifetime of the elector. A unique EPIC number will be allotted to every elector that will remain valid throughout the lifetime of the elector and will not be re-used even thereafter. Whenever duplicate or replacement cards are issued to the elector, (in case of loss of the card or serious defects), the duplicate card will continue to bear the unique number assigned to the elector. Even when the elector ceases to be in the electoral rolls, the unique number will not be allotted to any other elector. Possession of more than one EPIC is an offence. EPIC will continue to be valid even if the elector changes house or Assembly Constituency or state. The right of an elector to vote flows from the electoral rolls and not from the possession of EPIC.
ERO
The Electoral Registration officer is responsible for the preparation of electoral rolls for an Assembly Constituency which itself is the roll for the Parliamentary Constituency in so far as that Assembly Segment is concerned. 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
EVM
An Electronic Voting Machine consists of two Units - a Control Unit and a Balloting Unit. The Control Unit is with the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer and the Balloting Unit is placed inside the voting compartment. Instead of issuing a ballot paper, the Polling Officer in-charge of the Control Unit will press the Ballot Button. This will enable the voter to cast his vote by pressing the blue button on the Balloting Unit against the candidate and symbol of his choice. EVM's can record a maximum of 3840 votes. India was probably one of the first countries in the World to go for a completely electronic ballot in the last elections
Federalism
Federalism is the system in which the power to govern is shared between the national and state governments. India is mostly a federal state but under the controversial Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, a president can dismiss a state government.
Final electoral roll
The final roll is prepared after all claims and objections have been duly disposed off. Copies of the finally published roll are placed for inspection at all the locations, in addition, copies of the roll are displayed at various public locations like library and resident welfare association.
First past the post
The person, who wins the highest number of votes within that constituency, wins that election.
Forms
Form 001A To Submit a photograph (Optional) along with Form 6/8/8A. Form 001B To Submit photograph (Optional) for preparation of Elector Photo Identity Card & Photo Electoral Roll. Form 4 Application for New Registration of Electors at the time of Enumeration (house to house verification) when enumerator finds the house repeatedly locked Form 6 Application for inclusion of name in electoral roll after draft publication of draft roll (if your name is not included in the draft roll). Form 7 For any objection on inclusion of names Form 8 For correction of entries in the electoral rolls Form 8A For transposition of entry in electoral roll Form 2A Nomination paper for Lok Sabha Election Form 2B Nomination paper for Legislative Assembly Election Form 2C Nomination paper for Election to the Council of States
FSO
Department of Food & Supplies came into existence in 1942 in the wake of introduction of rationing during the 2nd World War. This Department has manifold functions which are as under:-
- Procurement and Storage of Food grains.
- Supply and Distribution of "Essential Commodities".
- Protection the Rights of the Consumers by implementing the Consumer Protection Act 1986.
- Implementation of the Weight & Measure Act.
The District Food & Supplies Officer in the department is the in charge of distribution of Essential Commodities under the control of District Food & Supplies Controller.
General Election
There are both General and State elections that are held in the country based on the Federal structure of the Indian Republic. The first general elections were conducted in India in 1951, for 489 constituencies representing 26 Indian states. They are held once in every five year, unless the House of People is dissolved beforehand. The members to the House of the People or the Lok Sabha are elected through the General elections. These members are chosen from the parliamentary constituencies.
Governor
The Governors and Lieutenant-Governors of the states and territories of India have similar powers and functions at the state level as that of the President of India at Union level. Governors exist in the states while Lieutenant-Governors exist in union territories Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry and in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Governor acts as the nominal head whereas the real power lies in the hand of the Chief Ministers of the states and the Chief Ministers Council of Ministers.The Governor of a State is appointed by the President for a term of five years and holds office during his pleasure. Only Indian citizens above 35 years of age are eligible for appointment to this office.
Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of a state consists of not more than 500 and not less than 60 members (Legislative Assembly of Sikkim has 32 members vide Article 371F of the Constitution) chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the state. Demarcation of territorial constituencies is done in such a manner that the ratio between population of each constituency and number of seats allotted to it, as far as practicable, is the same throughout the state. Term of an assembly is five years unless it is dissolved earlier
Legislative Council
Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) of a state comprises not more than one-third of total number of members in legislative assembly of the state and in no case less than 40 members (Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir has 36 members vide Section 50 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir). Legislative council exists for the states of Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh only.
Lok Sabha
Lok Sabha is the lower house in the Parliament of India.Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of the people chosen by direct election on the basis of the adult suffrage. The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the Constitution is 552, which is made up by election of up to 530 members to represent the States, up to 20 members to represent the Union Territories and not more than two members of the Anglo-Indian Community to be nominated by the Honorable President, if, in his opinion, that community is not adequately represented in the House. The total elective membership is distributed among the States in such a way that the ratio between the number of seats allotted to each State and the population of the State is, so far as practicable, the same for all States. Each Lok Sabha is formed for a five year term, after which it is automatically dissolved, unless extended by a Proclamation of Emergency which may extend the term in one year increments.
Mayor
The mayor heads the party with the largest number of Corporator's elected.
Member of Legislative assembly
A Member of Legislative Assembly, or MLA, is a representative elected by the voters of an electoral district to the Legislature of a State in the Indian system of government.
Member of Legislative council
About one-third of members of the council are elected by members of legislative assembly from amongst persons who are not its members, one-third by electorates consisting of members of municipalities, district boards and other local authorities in the state, one-twelfth by electorate consisting of persons who have been, for at least three years, engaged in teaching in educational institutions within the state not lower in standard than secondary school and a further one-twelfth by registered graduates of more than three years standing. Remaining members are nominated by Governor from among those who have distinguished themselves in literature, science, art, cooperative movement and social service. Legislative councils are not subject to dissolution but one-third of their members retire every second year.
Minister of State
A Minister of State is a junior Minister in the Central Government who may assist a cabinet minister or have independent charge of a ministry.
Motion of Adjournment
This is a way of enabling the House to have a debate on a subject.
Motion of confidence
Governments often respond to a motion of no confidence by proposing a motion of confidence, which then takes precedence over motion of no confidence.
Motion of non confidence
It is a parliamentary motion traditionally put before a parliament by the opposition in the hope of defeating or weakening a government.
Municipal Commissioner
The Commissioner from the IAS cadre heads the administrative wing and is responsible for strategic and operational planning and management of the Corporation. The Commissioner takes decisions on behalf of the Board or the Standing Committee formed from the elected corporator to perform the duties of the Corporation.
Municipal Corporation
Only the cities with population greater than 5 lakhs are eligible for having Municipal corporations as the local government. Municipal Corporation consists of political and administrative wings. The political wing is an elected body of councilors headed by a Mayor.
Municipal Election
These are held at the ward level to elect local representatives to form the local government.
Municipality
Cities are governed by the local government called Municipalities.
No Vote
Section 49-O of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 gives the option to an elector to register a NO VOTE. Following is the official extract from CER 1961: 49-O. Elector deciding not to vote.-If an elector, after his electoral roll number has been duly entered in the register of voters in Form-17A and has put his signature or thumb impression thereon as required under sub-rule (1) of rule 49L, decided not to record his vote, a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the presiding officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark. This can also be seen as a way to register a "protest vote", if an elector doesn't like any of the candidates. However, the only practical utility of exercising the right of NO VOTE is that it allows one to ensure that his / her vote is not misused by anybody else. Under no circumstances is a re-polling ordered, irrespective of how small or large the number of NO VOTES is. Further, there is no official compilation of total number of NO VOTES for any constituency when the Returning Officers compile final election results. There is no field for compiling the number of NO VOTES in the final result sheet (Form 20) by the Returning Officer. Thus, in its current form, there is no tangible impact or fear that exercising NO VOTE option can create amongst the candidates. This is contrary to what rumours and popular email chains quote. Rumours surrounding Section 49-O Following is a popular misleading email doing the rounds, which incorrectly refers to cancellation of elections if the number of NO VOTES exceed a certain number Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm his identity, get his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that he doesn't want to vote anyone! Yes such a feature is available, but obviously these seemingly notorious leaders have never disclosed it. This is called "49-O". Why should you go and say "I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that Particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them. This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way; of our whole political system... it is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public. Procedure for casting NO VOTE Like other electors, an elector wishing to cast a NO VOTE needs to stand in the queue for voting at the polling station. Upon his turn, the elector needs to first get his identity verified, electoral roll copy marked and get his electoral roll number entered in the register of voters (Form 17A) along with his signature or thumb impression. If at this stage, the elector decides to record a NO VOTE (or says he want to exercise Section 49-O), a remark to this effect shall be made against the said entry in Form 17A by the Presiding Officer and the signature or thumb impression of the elector shall be obtained against such remark. Challenges faced by NO VOTE facility Although, Section 49-O provides that an elector may refuse to vote after he has been identified and necessary entries made in the Register of Electors and the marked copy of the electoral roll, the secrecy of voting is not protected here inasmuch as the polling officials and the polling agents in the polling station get to know about the decision of such a voter. Currently, the Electronic Voting Machines do not have an option to register negative or NO VOTE.
Observer
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.
Parliament
According to Article 79 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of President of India and the two Houses of Parliament known as Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and House of the People (Lok Sabha).
Parliamentary constituency
There are 543 Parliamentary constituencies in India. The main basis for allocation of seats to various States in the Lok Sabha is the Population.
Polling booth
A voting booth or polling booth is a room or cabin in a polling station where voters are able to cast their vote in private to protect the secrecy of the ballot.
Polling officer
On entering the polling station the elector will proceed direct to the First Polling Officer who will be in-charge of the marked copy of the electoral roll and responsible for identification of the electors. Usually each voter comes in with an unofficial identify slip which he has received form a candidate. The slip should be on plain white paper and may contain the name of the elector, his serial number in electoral roll, the number of the electoral roll part and the number and name of the polling station where is to cast his vote. The slip should not contain the name of the candidate and / or the name of his party and / or facsimile of symbol allotted to him. If the voter does not have any such identity slip, the Polling Officer will himself ascertain his name, house number etc., and will then locate his name form the electoral roll kept by him. The elector should not be compelled to bring an identity slip nor should he be turned away solely because he has not brought such a slip. The Polling Officer should not treat the identity slip brought by an elector as a conducive proof of his identity. He will then inspect the voters left forefinger to see that it does not bear any sign.
Polling station
A polling station or polling place is where voters cast their vote in elections. Polling station is allocated such a way that the total number of electors in a polling station will not exceed 1500.
Postal vote
Government personnel and Defense personnel are entitled to vote by postal ballot if they are working on the polling day. If you are Government personnel on election duty, you can either use postal ballot or vote in person. If you wish to vote by post, send application (form 12) to the returning officer to reach at least seven days before the date of poll. A postal ballot paper will be personally delivered or sent to you under certificate of posting along with a declaration (form 13A) a cover (form 13 B) returning address cover (form 13C) and instructions(form 13 D). Return your vote to the returning officer as per the instructions. The declaration can be signed in the presence of a Magistrate, Commanding Officer, Deputy Secretary to Government, Gazette Officer (presiding officer) as applicable to you. Note that it is the duty of returning officer to ensure that the postal ballot reaches you and in time! If you wish to vote in person and not by post, send in your request to reach the returning officer four days before the date of poll.You will be issued a (EDC) in form 12B.Please note that you will not be allowed to vote at the polling station where you would otherwise been titled to vote. If you are a Defense personnel or Government of India personnel posted outside India send in your intimation to the Returning Officer. Ensure that the intimation reaches the concerned Returning Officer at least 10 days before the poll. Defense / GOI officer(s) through whom a postal ballot paper is sent to the addressee must ensure its delivery to the addressee without any delay. A postal ballot paper will be personally delivered or sent to you under Certificate of Posting along with a declaration (form 13A) a cover (form 13 B) returning address cover (form 13C) and instructions (form 13 D). Return your vote to the returning officer as per the instructions. The declaration can be signed in the presence of a magistrate, commanding officer, deputy secretary to Government, gazette officer (presiding officer) as applicable to you. Note that it is the duty of returning officer to ensure that the postal ballot reaches you and in time! Government of India/Embassy officer(s) through whom a postal ballot paper is sent to the service voter must also ensure its delivery to the addressee without any delay. The army post office should ensure quick delivery to the addressee at the place of posting without any delay.
President
The President of India or Rashtrapati is the head of state and first citizen of India, as well as the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces. In theory, the President possesses considerable power. With few exceptions, most of the authority vested in the President is in practice exercised by the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister.The President is elected for a term of five years by the elected members of the Parliament of India (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) as well as of the state legislatures (Vidhan Sabhas), and serves for a term of five years.
Presiding officer
The Presiding Officer with the assistance of Polling Officers conducts the poll at a polling station.
Prime Minister
The Prime Minister of India is head of the Council of Ministers, appointed by the President to assist the latter in the administration of the affairs of the executive in India. He is appointed by the President, being recognized as the leader of the majority party in Lok Sabha. In practice the Prime Minister nominates the members of his Council of Ministers to the President. The Prime Minister selects and can dismiss other members of the cabinet, and allocates posts to members within the Government. In most systems, the prime minister is the presiding member and chairperson of the cabinet. Prime Minister is not directly elected by people.
Proportional representation
The seats in parliament are more or less in proportion to votes secured.
Quasi Judicial
A quasi-judicial body is an individual or organization which has powers resembling those of a court of law or judge and is able to remedy a situation or impose legal penalties on a person or organization.
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha (meaning the "Council of States") is the upper house of the Parliament of India. Membership is limited to 250 members, 12 of whom are chosen by the President of India for their expertise in specific fields of art, literature, science, sportspersons, businessmen, journalists & social services. These members are known as nominated members. The remainder of the body is elected by state and territorial legislatures. Terms of office are for six years, with one third of the members facing re-election every two years. The Rajya Sabha meets in continuous session and, unlike the lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha, is not subject to dissolution. Along with Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha has the right to initiate, pass and amend ordinary bills of law. The elected members are chosen under the system of proportional representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote. The twelve nominated members are usually an eclectic mix of eminent artists (including actors), scientists, jurists.
Representative Democracy
Sovereignty is exercised by a subset of the people, usually on the basis of election.
Republic
As opposed to a monarchy, in which the head of state is appointed on hereditary basis for a lifetime or until he abdicates from the throne, a democratic republic is an entity in which the head of state is elected, directly or indirectly, for a fixed tenure.
Residence Proof
You are required to show proof of your address when you register to vote. The following documents are sufficient when proving your address:
- Telephone bill
- Water bill
- Electricity bill
- Property tax receipt
- Bank statement
- Passport
- Ration card
- Rental agreement
- LPG receipt
- Driving license
Revision of electoral roll
The Prime objective of the revision is to produce clean and accurate rolls complete in all respects. Types of electoral roll revision Comprehensive revision Summary revision
Right to vote
Right to vote can be availed by people if
- You are an Indian citizen
- You are more than 18 yrs of age
- You have been residing at your current place of residence for at least 6 months
- You are not registered elsewhere
RO
The Returning Officer of a parliamentary or assembly constituency is responsible for the conduct of elections for the P.C. & A.Cs respectively as per section 21 of the Representation of the People Act 1951. 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.
Schedule
Schedules are linked with some specific articles and they are more like appendix-elaborating more about some specific provisions in an article.
SDM
The Executive Magistrate placed by the State Government as incharge of the Sub Division is termed as the Sub Divisional Magistrate Under section 20(4) Cr.p.c.and under section 23 Cr.P.C. the Sub divisional Officer like other Executive Magistrates of the District is subordinate to the District Magistrate and is responsible for the maintenance of law and order within the limits of his local jurisdiction. In the revenue matters he is Assistant collector Grade 1 SDM assists District Magistrate.
SDO
The duties of the Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) within his Sub Division are almost similar to those of the Deputy Commissioner within his district. He is also incharge of various development activities going on in the Sub Division. He supervises the work of Revenue agency in the Sub Division. He has to perform executive, magisterial and revenue duties. His executive duties pertain to the maintenance of law an order, development, local bodies, motor taxation, passport, issue and renewal of arms licenses, Sub-divisional establishment, etc. SDO assists Deputy Commissioner.
Secrecy of Ballot
It is a voting method in which a voters choices are confidential. The key aim is to ensure the voter records a sincere choice by forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation or bribery.
Secular
The word secular was inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd amendment act of 1976. It implies equality of all religions and religious tolerance. India, therefore does not have an official state religion. Every person has the right to preach, practice and propagate any religion they choose.
Single transferable vote
Single transferable vote (STV) is a preferential voting system designed to minimize wasted votes and provide proportional representation while ensuring that votes are explicitly for candidates rather than party lists. It achieves this by using multi-seat constituencies (districts) and by transferring votes that would otherwise be wasted. STV initially allocates an individuals vote to his or her most preferred candidate, and then subsequently transfers unneeded or unused votes after candidates are either elected or eliminated, according to the voters stated preferences. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_Transferable_Vote
Socialist
The word socialist was added to the Preamble by the 42nd amendment act of 1976. Social equality in this context means the absence of discrimination on the grounds only of caste, color, creed, sex, religion, or language. Under social equality, everyone has equal status and opportunities. Economic equality in this context means that the government will endeavor to make the opportunities available to its citizens equitable, and each citizen is to have every right to improve his or her condition, on his or her own efforts and merits.
Sovereignty
It means supreme authority within a territory.
Speaker of Lok Sabha
The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer of the lower house of Parliament of India. The speaker is elected in the very first meeting of the Lok Sabha after the General elections for a term of 5 years from amongst the members of the Lok Sabha. He is supposed to resign from his original party because as a speaker, he has to remain impartial. He maintains discipline and decorum in the house and can punish a member for his unruly behavior by suspending him. He permits the moving of various kinds of motions and resolutions like the motion of no confidence, motion of adjournment, motion of confidence and calling attention notice. The Speaker decides on the agenda to be taken up for discussion during the meeting.
State Election
The State elections in India are structurally similar to the general elections in India.It chooses members for the state assembly.
State election commissions
It conducts elections for Corporations, Municipalities and other local bodies. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer functions under the overall supervision and control of the Election Commission of India. This office monitors the work relating to the conduct of General Elections and Bye- Elections, to the House of People from that state and Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council. This includes preparation and updating of Electoral Rolls, issue of Photo Identity Cards to Electors and Re-organization of Polling Stations. http://www.eci.gov.in/Links/Links.asp
Summary revision
A Designated officer is appointed at each polling station where the draft roll is published. He is responsible for the display of the draft electoral rolls, allowing inspection thereof by the persons/parties interested, supply (free of cost) of forms for making applications for inclusion of names, forms for correction of entries in the electoral roll.
Tendered vote
This is available to you when you come to the polling booth and realize that someone had already caste vote on your behalf. Bring this to the attention of the presiding officer immediately. The law allows you to caste Tendered Vote. Ask for a Tendered Ballot Paper, as per Rule 51 of Representation of Peoples Act, and sign your name on the list of tendered votes. After marking your choice of candidate / party, present your tendered vote to the presiding officer. Do not use the ballot box. A tendered ballot paper is the same as the other ballot papers, except that it shall be endorsed on the back, with the words, "tendered ballot paper", by the Presiding Officer, in his own handwriting, and signed by him. Tendered votes are considered only in case of a tie between the candidates or when the margin of poll results is wafer thin.
Three tier
A state of sufficient size and complexity will have different layers or levels of government like local, regional and national. India had two-tier governance when we became independent. On April 24, 1993, the Constitutional (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 came into force to provide constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions. Thus we became a three tier system from then.
Unitary State
The political power of government in such states may well be transferred to lower levels, to national, regional or local elected assemblies, governors and mayors , but the central government retains the principal right to recall such delegated power.
Content courtesy: www.jaagore.com
