The Punjab CEO VK Singh today launched a unique android application “ivote” designed with an aim to provide complete voting solutions in mobile. “ivote” a user friendly application, which could be downloaded from ‘google play store’ would provide various election related utility features like searching EPIC details, finding directions to the one’s polling booth, information about affidavits submitted by contesting candidates, a comprehensive model code of conduct for ready reference and an easy complaint submission mechanism. Interacting with media persons, Mr. Singh pointed out that before launching it a full bench of ECI had approved after having its detailed presentation. He said that keeping in view the rapid increase in mobile internet users, it becomes imperative to take such techno friendly initiative for the electors especially for encouraging young/first time voters. He said that this application has been developed under the SVEEP programme and with the concerted efforts of two young IAS officers Ms. Sonali Giri, ADC (D), Bathinda and Mr. Vipul Ujjwal, Municipal Commissioner, Bathinda. Giving a presentation about the functioning of the app, Ms. Giri said after downloading this app, one has to enter his EPIC number for getting details regarding Voter slip, map to booth, candidate affidavit, MCC and complaints and it could be easily run on a 2G mobile internet connection. She said that experts were working on developing it more to make it compatible for ios, java and windows besides sending daily reminders to electors regarding polling day and further trends on the day of counting.
Mr. B. Purushartha, Additional CEO, while complimenting media for publicizing initiatives taken under SVEEP programme announced that Punjab became the first state in country to touch EPIC ratio at par with Census ratio as till date 1,95,26,796 total voters have got this in comparison of 1,95,60,688 projected eligible voters on the basis of census 2011. He said that the next target was to ensure at least 10 percent increase in voting against the 70 percent in General elections to Lok Sabha-2009. He pointed out that 9 lac new voters have been enrolled since imposition of MCC on March 5.He further revealed that till date narcotic drugs including liquor Rs.694 crore have been recovered in the state after MCC and majority of it includes huge haul of heroin at Indo-Pak border. He said that Poppy husk ( 14823 Kg ), Opiun (76.2 Kg), Heroin (136 Kg), Ganja (47 Kg), Illicit liquor (2,15,569 Ltrs), Country liquor (2,73,480 bottles) and Lahan (51,623 kg) has been recovered. Besides this, 2309 FIRs have also been registered.Raminder Singh and Mr. Supreet Singh Gulati, both Additional CEOs, Mr. Amit Talwar, Joint CEO were also present on the occasion.