Election Commission strengthens monitoring mechanisms ahead of upcoming Bihar Assembly and eight other bypolls across India
NEW DELHI (Economy India): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 along with by-elections for eight assembly constituencies across different states and union territories. With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect immediately in all concerned regions. The Commission has directed all state and union territory governments to ensure strict adherence to the MCC guidelines to maintain free and fair elections.
Enhanced Vigilance through Technology: cVIGIL App Empowering Citizens
To ensure transparency and prompt response to violations during the election period, the Election Commission has deployed the cVIGIL app — a citizen-centric digital platform available on ECInet, enabling voters and political parties to report MCC violations in real-time.
As of October 21, 2025, a total of 650 complaints were registered through the cVIGIL app in the Bihar Assembly and by-election regions. Impressively, 649 complaints have already been resolved, with 612 cases (94%) addressed within 100 minutes of being filed, demonstrating the Commission’s commitment to timely redressal.
Massive Ground-Level Monitoring: 824 Flying Squads Deployed
To support the digital monitoring mechanism, the ECI has deployed 824 flying squads across Bihar to ensure rapid response to complaints. Each squad is equipped with GPS-enabled systems and quick-access communication networks to ensure that every report from the cVIGIL app receives on-ground verification and immediate enforcement.
This hybrid model of digital surveillance coupled with human response teams has significantly improved the credibility and efficiency of election monitoring in the state.
Dedicated 24×7 Complaint Monitoring and Redressal System
In addition to the cVIGIL mechanism, the ECI has established a Complaint Monitoring System, which includes a 24×7 toll-free helpline number — 1950. Through this number, any citizen or political party can directly file a complaint with the District Election Officer (DEO) or Returning Officer (RO) concerned.
The system ensures real-time tracking of grievances, escalation to senior officials if unresolved, and feedback to complainants once actions are taken. This marks a major stride in democratizing accountability during the election process.
Seizures and Enforcement: ₹71.32 Crore Worth of Illicit Goods Confiscated
As part of its strict vigilance drive, the ECI reported that as of October 21, 2025, various enforcement agencies have seized cash, liquor, narcotics, precious metals, and other valuables worth over ₹71.32 crore from across multiple states and union territories where elections and by-elections are being conducted.
These seizures were made through multi-agency coordinated efforts, involving income tax departments, excise officials, police, and customs agencies. The Commission has reiterated that it will continue its crackdown on any attempts to influence voters through illegal inducements or unaccounted wealth.
A Step Toward Transparent and Participatory Elections
The Election Commission’s technology-driven measures underscore its vision of transparent, participatory, and accountable elections. By enabling citizens to directly report violations via the cVIGIL app and ensuring swift action, the ECI is creating a collaborative electoral ecosystem between the public and authorities.
These reforms align with the Commission’s broader mission of ensuring “Free, Fair, and Fearless Elections”, particularly ahead of major state polls like Bihar’s, which play a pivotal role in India’s political landscape.
What Makes Bihar’s Election Monitoring Unique
- Real-time grievance redressal through AI-backed monitoring dashboards.
- Coordination among multiple enforcement agencies at district and state levels.
- Strong citizen participation via mobile technology.
- Round-the-clock complaint handling through 1950 helpline and cVIGIL.
- Transparency reports and public dashboards showing resolved cases.
The 2025 Bihar Assembly Election is being closely watched as a benchmark for India’s evolving electoral integrity. With digital tools like cVIGIL, strong enforcement, and empowered citizens, the Commission is moving decisively toward its goal of smart, tech-enabled governance in elections.
(Economy India)
