A polling booth in Tamil Nadu stands out with just 5 voters
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Elections, ECI & electoral reforms· Prelims·
Why in news
The Election Commission of India announced the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and specific monitoring of high-value cash transactions for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
Background
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced a unique polling booth in Vellimalai, Theni district, for only 5 voters. For the upcoming election, the ECI directed District Election Officers to monitor bank withdrawals exceeding ₹1 lakh and report those over ₹10 lakh to the Income Tax Department.
Facts for Prelims
- FactTotal electors in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming election: 5,67,74,436
- FactNumber of polling booths in Tamil Nadu: 75,032 (44,065 rural; 30,967 urban)
- BodyFIU-IND (Financial Intelligence Unit-India) and CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) are tasked with sharing CTRs and STRs for monitoring election expenditure
- FactCash withdrawals exceeding ₹1 lakh must be investigated by District Election Officers (DEOs)
- FactCash withdrawals exceeding ₹10 lakh must be reported to the Income Tax Department
For Mains
Q. Discuss the measures adopted by the Election Commission of India to ensure transparency in election financing and curb the influence of unaccounted money.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional coordination: Synergy between ECI, FIU-IND, and CBDT to track suspicious transaction reports (STRs)
- Regulatory oversight: Use of bank-monitored cash withdrawal thresholds to curb illicit campaign funding
- Logistical inclusivity: Ensuring polling access in geographically isolated terrains despite low voter density
Keywords: Model Code of Conduct · Election Expenditure · Financial Intelligence Unit · Transparency · Electoral Integrity
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