Question

Which of the following statements about the structure and functioning of the Election Commission are correct?

1. The Election Commission was a single-member body until 1989, when it became a multi-member body.

2. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners receive a salary of ₹2,50,000, charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

3. The President appoints Regional Commissioners without consulting the Election Commission.

• A. 1 and 2
• B. 2 and 3
• C. 1 and 3
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2

Election Commission of India

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering election processes in India.

• It is enshrined in Part XV of the Indian Constitution, specifically under Articles 324 to 329.

• Its primary mandate is to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and impartial elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, the offices of the President, and the Vice-President of India.

Evolution of the Election Commission's Structure

• From its establishment in 1950 until October 1989, the Election Commission functioned as a single-member body, comprising only the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

• In October 1989, the President appointed two additional Election Commissioners (ECs), thereby transforming the ECI into a multi-member body.

  • This change was primarily initiated to handle the increased workload following the implementation of the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988, which reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

• However, this multi-member structure was short-lived, as the posts of the two additional Election Commissioners were abolished in January 1990, reverting the ECI to its single-member status.

• The multi-member composition was permanently restored in October 1993, with the President again appointing two Election Commissioners. Since then, the ECI has consistently operated as a three-member body (one CEC and two ECs).

• The Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners hold equal powers and receive identical salaries, allowances, and other service benefits, which are equivalent to those of a Supreme Court judge.

Salary and Conditions of Service

• The salary and emoluments of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are at par with those of a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.

• Currently, their monthly salary stands at ₹2,50,000.

• Their salaries, allowances, and other administrative expenses are charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

  • Being 'charged' means these expenditures are not subject to the vote of Parliament, which is a critical provision that safeguards the financial independence of the Election Commission.

Appointment of Regional Commissioners

• As per Article 324(4) of the Constitution, the President is empowered to appoint Regional Commissioners to assist the Election Commission when deemed necessary.

• It is a constitutional requirement that such appointments must be made after consultation with the Election Commission itself. This ensures that the Commission's operational needs and expertise are considered, reinforcing its autonomy and effectiveness in election management.