Renowned cricket icon and recipient of the Bharat Ratna award, Shri Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, is set to embark on a new journey as the ‘National Icon’ for promoting voter awareness and education in collaboration with the Election Commission of India (ECI). A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed with Shri Sachin Tendulkar for a period of three years. The signing ceremony will take place on August 23, 2023, at Rang Bhavan, Akashvani, New Delhi. The event will witness the presence of Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Shri Anup Chandra Pandey and Shri Arun Goel.
Significance
This collaboration signifies a momentous stride in utilizing Sachin Tendulkar’s immense influence among the youth to boost voter engagement, particularly for the upcoming General Elections in 2024.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) aims to tap into Tendulkar’s widespread appeal to encourage more active participation in the electoral process, especially among the youth and urban populations.
- This partnership aims to bridge the gap between citizens and the electoral process, focusing on addressing challenges like urban and youth disinterest.
- The ECI has a tradition of aligning with prominent individuals from diverse domains, designating them as ECI’s national icons.
- This strategy is aimed at motivating voters to actively participate in the democratic process.
- Notably, in the previous year, the Commission appointed the renowned actor Pankaj Tripathi as the National Icon.
- In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, esteemed figures like M.S. Dhoni, Aamir Khan, and Mary Kom also served as ECI National Icons.
About The Election Commission of India (ECI)
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state Legislative Assemblies in India. It is also responsible for registering political parties and monitoring their activities.
The Election Commission of India was established in 1950 by the Constitution of India. The ECI is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), who is assisted by two Election Commissioners. The ECI has its headquarters in New Delhi.
Powers and Functions
- Preparing the electoral rolls.
- Conducting elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies.
- Registering political parties.
- Monitoring the activities of political parties.
- Issuing guidelines and instructions to the Election Departments in the states and Union Territories.
- Taking disciplinary action against erring officials.
The Election Commission of India is an independent body and is not under the control of the government. The ECI is also not answerable to the Parliament or the Supreme Court. The ECI enjoys a high degree of autonomy and is considered to be one of the most impartial and independent institutions in India.
The Election Commission has been praised for its role in conducting free and fair elections in India. The ECI has also been credited with making the electoral process more transparent and accountable.
Key functions
- Preparation of electoral rolls: The ECI is responsible for preparing the electoral rolls, which are lists of all eligible voters in a constituency. The electoral rolls are prepared every five years and are updated every year.
- Conducting elections: The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies. The ECI is also responsible for conducting by-elections and by-polls.
- Registration of political parties: The ECI is responsible for registering political parties. To be registered, a political party must meet certain criteria, such as having a certain number of members and a certain amount of funds.
- Monitoring the activities of political parties: The ECI is responsible for monitoring the activities of political parties. This includes ensuring that political parties do not indulge in corrupt or unfair practices.
- Issuing guidelines and instructions to the Election Departments in the states and Union Territories: The ECI is responsible for issuing guidelines and instructions to the Election Departments in the states and Union Territories. These guidelines and instructions are issued to ensure that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
- Taking disciplinary action against erring officials: The ECI is responsible for taking disciplinary action against erring officials. This includes officials who are found to have indulged in corrupt or unfair practices.
The Election Commission of India is a vital institution in India’s democracy. It is responsible for ensuring that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. The ECI has a long and distinguished history and has played a key role in the development of Indian democracy.
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