Panaji (Goa): Holding an election is considered to be a big for all. For Kunal, 2005 batch Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) officer of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, holding elections is a challenging opportunity to serve the people, society, democracy and the nation. “I firmly believe that elections are challenging opportunities to serve the stakeholders in multiple ways. Every election gives me an opportunity to innovate, reinvent, and reconnect with the people and other stakeholders in multifarious ways,” said Kunal, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Goa, in an exclusive conversation with Bureaucrats India Editor-In-Chief Navneet Anand and Rajeev Ranjan Roy. Read The Full Interview Here:

 As a CEO, you are innovative. During 2017 Assembly polls in Goa, you introduced several innovations to make assembly elections inclusive, accessible, participative and festive. You went extra miles to enroll trans-genders as voters. Tell us about a few initiatives being taken for Assembly polls 2022?

We are quite green in approach, and Goa is going to witness many innovations this time too. The state is culturally very rich. Environment is very close to people’s hearts. We are making this election eco-friendly. We are using nature friendly materials to be used in conducting elections. Local bio-resources are being used. We are going to replace plastic with eco-friendly products made with bamboo and coconut shells. Bins will be used which are made up of bamboo. Paperweight has been created using shells. We have roped in local craftsmen to create them, which will also be a boost to their income.

Covid-19 is an important factor. Though the third wave is on decline, there is a need for precautionary measures. How well prepared are you to conduct the polls keeping Covid-19 induced risks at a bay?

Conducting elections maintaining Covid-19 appropriate behavior is another key part of this year’s election management for which we have done the needful in terms of awareness about social distancing and sanitization. The pace of cumulative coverage of Covid-19 vaccination is quite high in Goa. That is something which gives us a lot of confidence. At the same time, people of Goa are very good. They believe in discipline. Each of them is our ambassador. We are using technologies and other enabling measures to make this election inclusive, accessible and participative. We hope to achieve a new milestone in terms of the percentage of voter turnout.

What were a few innovative initiatives taken in the 2017 elections? What is C-Vigil?  

In the last election, we had set up 40 polling stations designated as pink polling stations where only women were posted as electoral staff. We had one Divyang polling station as well. The entire election was web-casted. Given the role of people in electoral democracy, C-Vigil is an initiative to involve them in the election. Any person can send us pictures from ground where the code of conduct is being violated, which will help us to maintain the sanctity of polling. 

How is Goa’s atmosphere ahead of the election?

We are creating a very festive atmosphere for this election. We are aiming for 85 to 90 per cent voter turnout this year. 

Would you please tell us a few steps taken citizen’s engagement in this election?

We are organizing online competitions. We had asked local artists to create an eco-friendly selfie-stand. We have requested local artists to compose songs in the local Konkani language. Short films have been created. As I said, the entire Goa is ready for celebrations on February 14. 

VVPATs were questioned by many. What is your take? 

VVPATs are great examples of India’s indigenous innovation. Once you cast your vote, it is displayed on VVPAT for seven seconds before the slip goes into the sealed box. EVMs don’t record names but serial numbers. The beauty of it is that candidates know their serial numbers one day before the election. I feel that VVPAT is one of the best innovations of the Indian brain.

What’s your preparation to deal with fake news?

We have a system in place to deal with it. We have roped in student volunteers. In Goa, literacy rate is high. The use of technology is also very high. Our citizens are very alert. We are certain that fake news won’t be a big problem in the elections. 

The election management system has changed significantly over the years. Your comment!

Our Election Commission is one of the foremost departments in adopting new technologies. You can see how every information and grievance is addressed. Fifteen years back when I conducted my first election as an SDM, we tracked complaints via newspapers and TVs. Now we are instantly responding to complaints. People are our biggest stakeholders. The way they have accepted modern technology is amazing. The evolution of the Model Code of Conduct has again been beautiful. Regular innovations are being made in election management.

Please give a few tips for the youngsters preparing for Civil Services!

Preparing for Civil Services is more about what not to read rather than what to read. Stay positive. Don’t listen to negative comments. Keep yourself motivated. Take care of your physical and mental well-being. All will be fine.