The elections are an integral part of the democratic process in India and Election Commission upholds the spirit of Indian Democracy, said Shri Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner of India. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Industry Academia Conclave 3.0 organised by Institute of Law, Nirma University, to commemorate Birth Centenary Celebrations of Nani Palkhivala- An iconic jurist and economist.
Shri Arora referred to Article 324 of the Indian constitution that talks about the power of superintendence, direction and control of elections to parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India and the office of vice-president of India shall be vested in the election commission.
He quoted, Dr B. R. Ambedkar
“However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.”
He shared his experiences regarding the mammoth general elections and also compared of general elections of 2014 and 2019, regarding the number of Increase in percentage of turnouts, male and female voters, polling stations, rural and urban areas turnout, talking more on the power of the Elections commission he also shared his experience how the team of 600 Members elections commission turn into 13-14 lakh people during the general election.
He also elaborated on the fact that modern nation like USA and UK, provided their citizens with the right of Universal Adult Franchise, many years after their independence, but the framers of the India Constitution provide this right to its citizen at outset of its Independence. Despite the low literacy levels and socio-economic conditions prevalent, the framers of our constitution trusted the intelligence of the common man and empowered them with the right of universal adult franchise. He also opined that at times it seems that Adult Franchise has been taken for granted in our country.
He strongly advocated that of late, there have been questions asked on the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines. He assured that the “EVM’s and VVPAT can malfunction, but can’t be tempered with”
Answering the students question he also talked about the initiative taken by the Election Commission to increase the voting percentage- SVEEP(Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation Program) Propaganda is the method used by the election commission. On the question relating to “One nation-One election”, he said that it is for the political parties to come along and propose a requisite amendment in the constitution.
Shri Arora also paid homage to Lt. Shri T N Seshan who passed away recently. He recalled his remarkable contribution in curbing electoral malpractices in India.
Earlier in the day Prof (Dr) Purvi Pokhariyal Director and Dean welcomed the 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Sunil Arora, , Shri Umesh Sinha, Secretary General Election Commissioner, Shri Karsanbhai K. Patel, President Nirma University, Dr. Anup K. Patel, Director-General Nirma, University, Shri Dilip Sharma I Director Expenditure Election Commission of India, Miss. Mona Srinivas Director Election Commission of India, Dr Murli Krishna Chief Electoral Officer Gujarat, Shri S M Patel and Shri Ashok Manek, additional chief electoral offices Gujarat, Dr Vikrant Pandey Collector and District Magistrate Ahmedabad.
Dr Takesh Molia, Associate Professor, delivered the vote of thanks.