Mobile Voting in Bihar: Is This the Future of Indian Elections?

According to a BBC Hindi report, Bihar becomes the first Indian state to pilot online voting via mobile phones but is the technology inclusive enough?

Sonal Goel, IAS

My dear readers,

You read it right. As the headline suggests, Bihar is all set to launch India’s first mobile-based voting system for municipal elections. And yes, this isn’t some internal test or simulation this is actual polling, happening on June 28, 2025. This development reassures how India is really on its path towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Let me break it down  because while the headline may feel futuristic, the reality, as always, lies in the details.

So what’s happening exactly is that Bihar State Election Commission has rolled out e-voting via smartphones for select municipal bodies. This is the first time in India that voters will be able to cast their votes using a mobile app from wherever they are.

The voting will happen through two apps:

• SECBHR – for the main municipal elections

• SECBIHAR – for the by-elections

The apps will only work on registered mobile numbers. Voters must register beforehand, and only one mobile number can serve a maximum of two people — like a husband and wife.

Voting will be open on these apps from 7 AM to 1 PM, while regular in-person polling will continue till 5 PM.

Who can vote through this?

This facility isn’t open to everyone. It’s meant for:

• Senior citizens

• Pregnant women

• Persons with disabilities

• People suffering from serious illness

• Migrant labourers

Over 51,155 voters have registered for this new system.

• 26,038 men

• 25,117 women

Interestingly, Buxar saw the highest number of registrations, and voters from outside India such as Dubai, Qatar, etc. have also signed up.

Now I know what you may be thinking. Is it secure?

Yes, or at least the Election Commission is trying to make it so. To prevent misuse:

• Only registered numbers can be used

• Same phone must be used for registration and voting

• Voters are warned not to share OTPs or click on suspicious links

• Voter support and helpline have been set up

So yes, there’s some digital hygiene being maintained.

Why this matters especially if you’re a UPSC aspirant

Whether you are a UPSC aspirant or preparing for any other govt. service examination. This is exactly the kind of example you can use in:

• GS2: Governance, Electoral Reforms, Citizen Participation

• GS3: Use of Technology, Challenges of Inclusion

• Essay Paper: “Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master”

• Ethics Paper: Digital ethics, social justice

It’s a perfect case to discuss intent vs impact, and how policy design must consider ground realities, not just innovation potential.

What Bihar is trying is achieve here is really boldand all those concerned with this development must be appreciated for their vision. We need more governments that experiment, that pilot new systems.

Let’s hope this pilot leads to something better, more inclusive and thereby adding more vibrance to the world’s biggest democracy that is Bharat.

Jai Hind.