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What are 17 new initiatives announced for Bihar Assembly polls

**17 New Initiatives Announced for Bihar Assembly Polls**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 06, 2025, 05:26 PM*

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled 17 new initiatives for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, set to be conducted in two phases on November 6 and 11. The election results will be declared on November 14. These reforms, which are expected to be implemented nationwide in the future, aim to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the electoral process.

**Major Reforms in the Voting Process**

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted that these measures will serve as models for future elections across the country. One of the key initiatives includes 100% webcasting at all polling stations, a significant increase from the previous 50%, ensuring greater transparency during the voting process.

Political parties’ Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have been advised to participate in mock polls and collect Form 17C once polling concludes. Additionally, to aid voter identification, colored photographs of candidates will now appear on EVM ballots, and voter slips will feature larger fonts.

**New Facilities for Voters**

In a first, voters will be allowed to carry their mobile phones up to the outer area of polling stations. Chief Election Commissioner Kumar explained, “Polling station ke kamre ke theek bahar matdata apna mobile phone jama kara sakta hai,” meaning voters can deposit their phones just outside the polling room.

Furthermore, political parties will be permitted to set up polling agent booths within 100 meters of polling stations to bolster public confidence in the democratic process. The gradual rollout of the ECI Net application is also planned, marking a step forward in election technology.

**Voter Roll Revision and Counting Procedures**

A special summary revision of electoral rolls will be conducted to ensure accuracy. Kumar noted that discrepancies between Form 17C and the EVM counting unit previously necessitated a recount of all affected VVPATs. Going forward, it will be mandatory to count postal ballots before the final two rounds of EVM counting.

To prevent overcrowding, no polling booth will have more than 1,200 voters. Additionally, a new mobile deposit facility will be introduced at booths to facilitate easier voting for electors.

**Assembly Bypolls on November 11**

Alongside the Bihar Assembly elections, eight Assembly bypolls are scheduled for November 11, with results to be declared on November 14. These include seats from diverse states: Budgam and Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir, Anta in Rajasthan, Ghatsila (ST) in Jharkhand, Jubilee Hills in Telangana, Tarn Taran in Punjab, Dampa (ST) in Mizoram, and Nuapada in Odisha.

These comprehensive initiatives are designed to strengthen the electoral process and serve as benchmarks for future elections across India.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/what-are-17-new-initiatives-for-bihar-assembly-polls/story

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