The Information Technology (IT) cadre has played a vital yet often unnoticed role in ensuring the smooth functioning of electoral processes. From maintaining digital integrity to overseeing polling party activities, the IT team’s dedication and innovation are essential for the success of democratic elections. The work of the IT team is crucial yet rarely visible, acting as a silent pulse beneath the surface of the electoral body, according to Dhamtari Collector Namrata Gandhi.
One of the key responsibilities of the IT team is to maintain digital integrity, particularly after the introduction of the Model Code of Conduct. They ensure that the C-Vigil and Complaint Control Room serve as strongholds of quick justice, resolving complaints within a few hours on the same day. The IT team’s creativity also plays a role in the development of auto-compilation formats, which transform complex data into organized and powerful information.
The IT team also plays a crucial role in monitoring polling party activities. They oversee the formation of polling parties, a task that would be difficult and time-consuming if done manually. With the close supervision of the IT team, this task is completed quickly. The IT team also monitors the arrivals and departures of polling parties, ensuring smooth logistics.
On polling day, the IT brigade starts reporting early in the morning and continues vigilantly until late at night. They play a crucial role in validating poll data to ensure accurate reports for scrutiny. Recording voting percentages and entering data into the digital ledger may seem insignificant, but it is in these specific details that the IT team’s impact is deeply felt, showcasing their dedication to the democratic process.
The IT team encountered significant challenges during the electoral process, with high stakes and a critical need for precision and timeliness. Collaboration and unity of purpose among team members who were not used to working together were essential. The demands of election day created pressure to share accurate and timely information, especially considering the distant locations of some polling stations. However, strategic planning and collaboration with service providers enabled live webcasting from strategically significant polling stations.
Ensuring the accuracy of polling data was crucial for the scrutiny process carried out by observers. The IT team closely monitored polling stations, even during the night, to ensure prompt entry and submission of data to the Commission’s portal. A large group of personnel, led by the IT Nodal Officer and guided by the District Election Officer, played a crucial role in overcoming obstacles and ensuring seamless execution of IT tasks during the entire election period.
The district team received continuous support from IT team members at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, further highlighting the significance of teamwork and dedication in electoral IT operations. The journey of electoral technology has transformed the electoral landscape, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in democratic processes. The tireless efforts of these unsung heroes have paved the way for a more inclusive and advanced electoral framework.
