Patna, June 29: Bihar on Saturday became the first Indian state to allow voters to cast their ballots via mobile phones, marking a significant step towards digital electoral reform in the country. The pilot was implemented during municipal bypolls and elections in six Nagar Panchayats across four districts.
While traditional electronic voting machines (EVMs) were used across 489 polling booths for 538 candidates, select voters – including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women – were allowed to vote remotely using a government-approved mobile app.
The app, E-SECBHR, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), enabled registered voters to authenticate themselves and vote from home. Voters were also able to access the facility via the State Election Commission’s website.
“Mrs. Bibha Kumari cast the country’s first e-vote, creating new history with e-voting in local body elections – a symbol of convenience, security, and empowered participation,” the Bihar State Election Commission posted on X. Kumari, a resident of Pakridayal in East Champaran district, was the first person in India to vote using a mobile phone. Munna Kumar, from the same district, was the first male e-voter.
Bihar’s State Election Commissioner Deepak Prasad said robust security protocols were in place to prevent tampering and ensure transparency. These include blockchain technology, face-matching, voter ID number verification, and strict login rules — only two registered voters per mobile number.
“Efforts have been made to maintain transparency, and the voting process will remain smooth and fair,” Prasad said. However, he declined to confirm whether the mobile voting feature would be extended to the upcoming state Assembly elections expected in October or November.
India, the world’s largest democracy, has been exploring ways to increase electoral participation through technology. Bihar’s mobile voting trial could serve as a model for future expansions if deemed secure and effective.
