GS Paper II

News Excerpt:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently held a virtual training program for Andhra Pradesh officers on the newly introduced Election Seizure Management System (ESMS).

About Election Seizure Management System (ESMS):

• The ESMS is a dedicated technology platform developed by ECI. It is for real-time updates on seizures (Cash/Liquor/Drugs/Precious Metal/Freebies/Other Items) from the field.

• Key Features:

• • Automate desired report in the required format for all stakeholders
  • Dashboard analytics for received data from multiple agencies
  • Analysis of received data at the CEO Level
  • Banks may generate QR code-based receipts and issue them for legal cash transfer

• Components:

• • Web-based application

• • • For User onboarding (State Nodal/District Nodal/FST/DLBC/Banks)
    • Issue Cash transfer letter (QR Code)

• • Mobile App

• Data entry for Intercept/Suo Motu Seizure and claim for Intercepted Seizure
• Show analytics based on their jurisdiction
• The following agencies can use the application -
• State Police Department (SPD)
• Income Tax Department (ITD)
• State Excise Department (SED)
• Central/State Goods and Services Tax (CGST/SGST)
• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
• Directorate of Enforcement (ED)
• Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
• State Transport Department, etc.
• This new system was introduced during the recently conducted Assembly elections in the five states (Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana).
• Now, the ECI is planning to implement the system in Andhra Pradesh.

Significance:

• Real-time information exchange ensures seamless coordination and intelligence sharing amongst enforcement agencies.
• Planning and qualitative analysis are made easier by it.
• It improves election transparency by enabling authorities to respond to and resolve any concerns that may develop promptly.

Conclusion:

The Election Commission of India has introduced the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) to reform the electoral process. ESMS streamlines information sharing between enforcement agencies, adding transparency and accountability.