ECI Directs Enforcement Agencies to Extensively Use Technology to Curb Money Power in Upcoming Bihar Elections
Voters have been urged to report any violations or suspicious activities through the C-Vigil mobile app, ensuring public participation in safeguarding the electoral process.
New Delhi, October 16: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed all enforcement agencies to intensify the use of technology to curb the influence of money power, freebies, liquor, and narcotics in the forthcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and bye-elections in eight constituencies across the country.
The Commission has instructed a wide network of agencies — including the State Police, State Excise Department, Income Tax Department, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND), RBI, DRI, Customs, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), CISF, RPF, SSB, and several others — to conduct coordinated operations leveraging digital tools and real-time monitoring systems.
To strengthen surveillance, the ECI has activated its Election Seizure Management System (ESMS), a technology-enabled platform for real-time reporting and tracking of seizures made by enforcement teams, flying squads, and surveillance units. Since the announcement of elections on October 6, agencies have seized ₹33.97 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies across Bihar.
In addition, Expenditure Observers have been deployed in all constituencies to monitor election spending and coordinate with enforcement teams on the ground. These observers will use digital systems to ensure transparency and accountability in tracking candidates’ expenses.
The Commission has also emphasized that while vigilance must be strict, ordinary citizens should not be inconvenienced during vehicle checks and inspections. Voters have been urged to report any violations or suspicious activities through the C-Vigil mobile app, ensuring public participation in safeguarding the electoral process.
By integrating data-driven monitoring, real-time reporting, and inter-agency coordination, the ECI aims to ensure free, fair, and technology-enabled elections in Bihar — setting a new benchmark for transparency in India’s democratic process.
