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The Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India came into existence on 25 January 1950. This is an autonomous constitutional body. With its authority, it prepares electoral roles and conducts elections to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State legislative bodies, the President and the Vice President.

By the completion of 60 years on 25 January 2010, the Election Commission of India celebrated Diamond Jubilee and announced 25 January 2011 as 1st Voters Day .

Autonomous status for Election Commission

It is very difficult to conduct elections in India because of a huge population. During the British rule, only 14% of the population had right to vote in the elections. At the time of first General Elections in 1952, there were 17.32 crore voters. At present, the number of voters is above 67 crores. For such a country, the Election Commission conducts elections with the help of about 45 lakh staff.

The Central Election Commission has no separate staff to conduct the elections. As per the article 324(6) of the Constitution, with the permission of the President of India and the Governors of the states, it utilises the services of central and state government employees. During such times, the Election Commission has a complete control over the government employees. Without the prior permission of the central Election Commission, the staff can neither be transferred nor be given promotions.

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