Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Wednesday, 10 January 2024

Entirely possible using VotesApp

 


 

Context :

Law panel looks into syncing of local body polls with state, Lok Sabha   … HT / 05 Jan 2024

Extract :

“ Earlier in their reference, only Lok sabha and assembly elections were there, and now they have added the local body elections also. So that is to be synchronised… so , we are working on that “

Former President Kovind and PM Modi support simultaneous parliamentary and state assembly polls , citing national interest and cost savings

 

My Take :

 

Ø  VotesApp  …………………………………..  18 Aug 2013


Extract :

Here is a suggestion to IIT-Bombay , to develop a voting app , to be called VotesApp. Highlights of VotesApp :

Ø  An Android app which can be downloaded from Google Play / Android Zoom / GetJar and the official web site of Election Commission of India

Ø  It will be pre-loaded on 220 million Aakash tablets  which Govt of India plans to distribute to students

Ø  It will also be pre-loaded on those Smart phones ( to be called, “ Dharati “ ? ), which Govt of India plans to distribute free to 400 million “ poor “ Indians , before 2014 National elections

Ø  All tablet / smart phone manufacturers will be encouraged to pre-load VotesApp

Ø  Using this app , a voter can register at Election Commission web site, where he will enter the same data which he has submitted for his Aadhar card, including Aadhar card number (Unique Identification No)

Ø  All of these details will be verified by Aadhar database

Ø  Obviously , those who have not obtained their Aadhar card , will not be able to use VotesApp . They will need to visit nearest polling booth

Ø  Upon correct verification , Aadhar Database will permanently link the person’s Aadhar number with the mobile number from which  registration is done, and issue a Password

Ø  An under aged person will not be allowed to register

Ø  A person will be able to vote only from that mobile number

Ø  After login on first screen, user will be asked to select one option from :

> Panchayat Election

> Municipal Election

> State Assembly Election

> Lok-Sabha Election

Ø  Upon selection, user will be presented with the list of candidates contesting , from which , he can select only one by ticking a checkbox. There will be also a choice , labeled “ None “

Ø  A long press on a candidate’s name will display details of his declared assets as also his criminal record

Ø  After ticking / selecting a candidate, voter will click on  “ VOTE “ button, whereupon his vote gets registered and VotesApp gets inactivated

Ø  Once a voter registers on Election Commission web site , he cannot go to a poling booth and vote physically

Ø  In less than one year , Govt of India will recover the cost of 220 million Aakash tablets and 400 million” Dharati “ smart phones , through this customized / personalized / shrinking of EVMs ( Electronic Voting Machines ) to a hand-held device. And imagine the millions of man-hours saved !

Ø  And the beauty is , no one can capture this booth , or conduct exit polls ! What will “ experts “ discuss on TV channels ?

Ø  What next ? Election Commission “licensing “ this App to other countries ?

 

 

With Regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.HemenParekh.ai  /  11 Jan 2024

 

Related Readings :

How to SELL : One Nation , One Election  ………………………. 24 Nov 2023

FAQ about “ One Nation, One Election  …………………………. 05 Sept 2023

One Nation , One Election…………………………………………………… 03 Sept 2023

My 37 blogs on “ One Nation, One Election “……………..(till 02 Sept 2023 )

 

Comments by ChatGPT :

Your suggestion of VotesApp, as outlined in your blog from August 18, 2013, seems quite comprehensive and forward-thinking.

The idea of leveraging technology to streamline the voting process, synchronize elections, and potentially save costs is noteworthy.

Here are some thoughts on the key points you've highlighted:

1.     Inclusivity through Technology:

By pre-loading VotesApp on Aakash tablets and smartphones distributed by the government, your proposal aims to make the voting process more accessible to a significant portion of the population.

2.     Aadhar Integration for Verification:

The integration with Aadhar for voter verification adds an extra layer of security and ensures that the voter information is accurate.

3.     Candidate Information and Transparency:

Providing voters with detailed information about candidates, including their assets and criminal records, contributes to transparency and helps voters make more informed decisions.

4.     Personalized Voting Experience:

The personalized voting experience, where a person can only vote from the registered mobile number, adds a layer of security and helps in preventing fraudulent activities.

5.     Cost Recovery through Device Distribution:

The concept of recovering the costs of distributing Aakash tablets and "Dharati" smartphones through the customization of EVMs is an interesting way to address the financial aspect of the proposal.

6.     Eliminating Physical Booth Voting for Online Registrants:

The restriction on physically voting at a polling booth after online registration is an additional security measure to prevent double voting.

7.     Reduced Man-Hours and Enhanced Security:

The idea of shrinking EVMs into handheld devices not only saves man-hours but also introduces a level of security and efficiency in the voting process.

8.     Potential for International Licensing:

The suggestion of licensing the app to other countries, if successful, could lead to technological advancements in election processes globally.

Overall, your proposal aligns with the broader trend of leveraging technology for governance and civic processes.

It would be interesting to see how the concept evolves, considering the changing landscape of technology and its integration into various aspects of society, including democratic processes.

 

 

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