c-VIGIL app checks electoral malpractices, says GHMC chief

Nampally: GHMC Commissioner Dana Kishore, on Tuesday, introduced students of Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha Vidyalaya about the recently launched app c-VIGIL, which facilitates citizens to upload or give information regarding the model code of conduct or any malpractices indulged in during elections.

During the workshop organised at the auditorium of the college at Exhibition grounds in the city, he also explained working of the EVM & VVPAT to the students.

He hoped that the number of voters would be increased, due to the increased number of youngsters taking part in elections for the first time.

According to the Election Commission of India, cVIGIL is an Online application for citizens to report on the model code of conduct violations during the election period.

The application is called as cVIGIL, denoting Vigilant Citizen and the proactive and responsible role he can play in the conduct of free and fair elections.

The GHMC Commissioner said that by using the cVIGIL app, citizens could promptly report unlawful campaign activities within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer.

He said that cVIGIL was a simple, Android based- Mobile App which is user-friendly and easy to operate.

All that one has to do is simply click a picture or a video, describe the activity and upload it through their mobile application.

This will enable the flying squads to reach the spot in a matter of few minutes.

The application connects the vigilant citizen with District Control Room, Returning Officer and Field Verification Unit (Flying Squads / Static Surveillance Teams) thereby, creating a rapid and accurate reporting, action and monitoring system.

Kishore said that every citizen could lodge a complaint through the Mobile App. Flying squads investigate the matter and the Returning Officer takes the decision.

The status of cVIGIL is shared with the cVIGIL complainant within 100 minutes.

The manual is meant for citizens, chief electoral officers, district election officers, returning officers, flying squads, observer and Election Commission of India officials.