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Election Commission's three-member structure back in focus amid SIR row
ஏன் செய்தியில்?
Three members since 1993, one Article behind it all: the Election Commission structure GS-II tests
The Election Commission of India has been in the news over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and opposition protests against it, which led to renewed discussion of how the body is constituted.
Why it matters: asked in UPSC 2017; factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 நிமிடம்
The Election Commission of India has been in the news over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and opposition protests against it, which led to renewed discussion of how the body is constituted.
The Commission became a multi-member body in 1993, when two Election Commissioners were added to the Chief Election Commissioner.
Article 324 vests superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Commission.
ஆதாரங்கள்: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
முக்கிய உண்மைகள்
Remember these
- Article 324 vests superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission of India
- The Commission became a multi-member body in 1993, adding two Election Commissioners to the Chief Election Commissioner
- It currently has three members: the CEC and two Election Commissioners
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has drawn opposition protests
- Article 324 covers the preparation of electoral rolls as well as the conduct of elections
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ் · மெயின்ஸ்
How the exam will ask it
ப்ரிலிம்ஸ்
- Article 324 vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President in the Election Commission.
- The Election Commission has been a multi-member body since 1993, when two Election Commissioners were added to the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Article 324 also covers the preparation of electoral rolls, which is the subject of the Special Intensive Revision.
மெயின்ஸ்
GS-II (Polity and Constitutional Bodies; electoral reforms). The SIR row raises the question of how far the Commission's Article 324 powers extend over electoral rolls and how its three-member structure and independence shape public trust. The implication is a need for transparent procedures and consultation with political parties, and the way forward lies in clear rules for revision, safeguards against wrongful deletion and strengthened institutional independence.
PYQ connection
A question UPSC has already asked on this
Consider the following statements:
- The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
- Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and by-elections.
- Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
விடையைக் காட்டு
விடை: D
Why this matters: today's issue is directly connected to a concept UPSC has already tested. Read the story with this question in mind.
Practise this PYQ →Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
Which provision of the Constitution vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission of India?
- Article 315
- Article 324
- Article 326
- Article 327
விடையைக் காட்டு
விடை: B — Article 324 vests superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission; the Commission has had three members since 1993.
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