**17 New Initiatives Announced for Bihar Assembly Polls**
*By Chanshimla Varah | October 6, 2025 | 5:26 PM*
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled 17 new initiatives aimed at enhancing the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and 11, the election results will be declared on November 14. These reforms, initially implemented in Bihar, are set to serve as models for nationwide adoption in future elections.
**Key Electoral Reforms and Transparency Measures**
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted that these measures are designed to boost the transparency and integrity of the voting process. One of the major changes involves expanding 100% webcasting at all polling stations, doubling the previous coverage from 50%. This move aims to increase monitoring and reduce malpractices during the polls.
Political parties’ Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have been mandated to participate in mock polls and to collect Form 17C after the polling concludes, further strengthening accountability. To assist voters, EVM ballots will now feature colored photographs of candidates and voter slips will have larger fonts, making candidate identification easier.
**Introduction of Mobile Phone Facilities Near Polling Stations**
For the first time, voters will be permitted to carry mobile phones up to the outer area of polling stations. “Polling station ke kamre ke theek bahar matdata apna mobile phone jama kara sakta hai,” stated the Chief Election Commissioner, indicating that mobile phone deposit facilities will be available just outside the voting rooms.
Additionally, political parties can establish polling agent booths within 100 meters of polling stations to foster greater public confidence in the democratic process.
**Advancements in Election Technology**
The ECI Net application is set for progressive roll-out, marking a significant technological leap in the election management system. This initiative will streamline various election-related activities, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
**Voter Roll Revision and Counting Procedures**
To ensure accuracy, a special summary revision of electoral rolls will be conducted. Previously, discrepancies between Form 17C and the EVM counting units necessitated a full recount of all affected VVPATs. The new guidelines will standardize these procedures to avoid unnecessary recounts.
Counting protocols have also been refined. Postal ballots must now be counted before the final two rounds of EVM counting, ensuring greater accuracy in vote tallying.
**Polling Station Management**
To prevent overcrowding, no polling booth shall accommodate more than 1,200 voters. Alongside this, the mobile phone deposit facility will facilitate a smoother voting experience for electors.
**Assembly Bypolls Alongside Bihar Elections**
In conjunction with the Bihar Assembly elections, eight Assembly bypolls will be held on November 11, with results declared on November 14. These include:
– Budgam and Nagrota seats in Jammu and Kashmir
– Anta in Rajasthan
– Ghatsila (ST) in Jharkhand
– Jubilee Hills in Telangana
– Tarn Taran in Punjab
– Dampa (ST) in Mizoram
– Nuapada in Odisha
These comprehensive reforms mark a significant step forward in India’s electoral process, making voting more transparent, accessible, and efficient for citizens across the nation.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/what-are-17-new-initiatives-for-bihar-assembly-polls/story