C-VIGIL, short for “Citizens’ Vigilance Initiative on Election Commission of India,” is a mobile app that was launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in 2019 to encourage and enable citizens to report any violations of the Model Code of Conduct during elections. The app aims to ensure free and fair elections by empowering citizens to report any malpractices or violations by candidates or parties.
The C-VIGIL app is available for both Android and iOS devices, and it allows citizens to report violations in real-time. To use the app, citizens need to download it from the Google Play Store or the App Store and register using their mobile number. Once registered, users can take a photo or a video of any malpractice or violation, such as the distribution of cash or gifts, using the app. They can also provide details such as the location and time of the incident.
The app then automatically sends the complaint to the concerned authorities, and citizens can also track the status of their complaint. The app ensures that the identity of the complainant remains anonymous, which encourages more citizens to come forward and report violations without fear of retaliation.
C-VIGIL has proved to be an effective tool in ensuring free and fair elections, as it enables the quick and efficient reporting of any violations. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the app received over 3 lakh complaints, and the Election Commission was able to take prompt action on many of them.
Apart from being a tool for reporting violations during elections, the app can also be used to report any election-related information or queries, such as the location of polling stations, voter turnout, and results.
In conclusion, C-VIGIL is an innovative app that has empowered citizens to report any violations of the Model Code of Conduct during elections. The app has made the reporting process more accessible, efficient, and secure, and has helped ensure free and fair elections. It is a significant step towards building a more transparent and accountable democracy
