CONTENTS

1. Suvidha Portal
2. Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference

Suvidha Portal

Context:

Since the announcement of General Elections 2024, over 73,000 applications have been received on the Suvidha Portal, with more than 44,600 requests approved.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Suvidha Portal by Election Commission of India (ECI)

Purpose and Objective

• The Suvidha portal serves as a technological tool developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to uphold democratic values by ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.

Functionality

• The portal streamlines the process for political parties and candidates to request permissions and facilities during elections.
• Requests are transparently prioritized based on the “First in First Out” principle.

Services Offered

• The Suvidha Portal facilitates permissions for various activities including:
  • Organizing rallies
  • Setting up temporary party offices
  • Door-to-door canvassing
  • Utilizing video vans and helicopters
  • Obtaining vehicle permits
  • Distributing pamphlets

Ease of Use

• Political parties and candidates can conveniently submit permission requests online via the Suvidha Portal.
• For broader accessibility, offline options are also available.

IT Infrastructure

• The Suvidha Portal is supported by a robust IT platform managed by designated nodal officers, ensuring efficient and prompt processing of requests.

Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference

Context:

Recently, Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference took place in New Delhi.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Overview of Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference

Purpose

• The Parivartan Chintan Tri-Service Conference is designed to brainstorm and introduce innovative ideas, initiatives, and reforms to enhance Jointness and Integration efforts among the armed forces.

Leadership

• The conference is chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan.

Significance

• This marks the inaugural conference where Heads of all Tri-Services Institutions come together, highlighting its importance and novelty.

Background on Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

Establishment

• The position of CDS was established in 2019 based on the recommendations of a defence expert committee led by Lt General DB Shekatkar.

First Appointment

• General Bipin Rawat was the first individual to hold the position of CDS in India.

Roles and Responsibilities of the CDS

Operational Synergy

• The primary responsibility of the CDS is to promote operational synergy among the various branches of the Indian military.

Department Head

• The CDS serves as the Head of the Department of Military Affairs within the Ministry of Defence.

Advisory Role

• The CDS acts as the singular military adviser to the Defence Minister and holds an advisory position within the Nuclear Command Authority.