Election Commission of India (ECI)

Election Commision of India (ECI)’s Structure, Roles, Mindmap for UPSC

Introduction

Established by Constitution in 1950 to ensure free, fair elections
ECI is a Constitutional, Permanent, Independent body
Article 324 grants power over elections of: parliament, state legislature, president, vice-president
All-India body, oversees both Central and state governments
Not responsible for panchayat and municipal elections
Separate State Election Commission for local elections

Mindmap on ‘Election Commission of India (ECI)’ with information relevant to UPSC.
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Composition of Election Commission per Article 324:
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other commissioners appointed by the president.
- CEC acts as chairman when other commissioners are appointed.
- President may appoint regional commissioners in consultation with the Election Commission.
- President determines conditions of service and tenure.
CEC & other Commissioners have equal powers, salary, allowances as Supreme Court judge.
- Majority decides in case of differences.
- Term (of CEC & other ECrs):
  - Six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier.
  - Resignation and removal possible before term expiry.
Election Commission assisted by:
- Deputy Election Commissioners:
  - Appointed from civil service.
  - Tenure system.
  - Assist the Election Commission.
  - Supported by secretaries, joint secretaries, deputy secretaries, and under secretaries in the commission’s secretariat.
- State Level:
  - Chief Electoral Officer (CEO):
  - Appointed by Chief Election Commissioner.
  - In consultation with the state government.
- District Level:
  - District Returning Officer (DRO)
  - Collector serves as the DRO.
  - Appoints returning officers for each constituency in the district.
  - Appoints presiding officers for polling booths in constituencies.

Also Check: Preamble of the Constitution

Independence of Election Commission by Article 324
Chief Election Commissioner’s security of tenure, removal like Supreme Court judge – by the president, only on a resolution passed by both Houses of Parliament with special majority, based on proved misbehavior or incapacity.
Service conditions can’t be changed to his disadvantage.
Removal of other commissioners only on the chief election commissioner’s recommendation.
Flaws: Qualifications, term of members, and post-retirement appointments not specified