The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) is a secured system for Service Voters to cast their vote on an electronically received postal ballot, from anywhere outside their constituency, thus reducing the chances of losing the voting opportunity. 

Given below are a few important points about ETPBS:

ETPBS [UPSC Notes PDF]:-Download PDF Here

This is an important topic for candidates preparing for the upcoming IAS Exam and various other competitive exams as questions based on the same may be asked in the final examination. 

About ETPBS

• It was developed for the convenience of Service voters
• It is a secured system with a two-layer security system. Secrecy is maintained through the use of OTP and PIN and no duplication of casted Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot (ETPB) is possible due to the unique QR Code
• The entitled service voters can cast their votes electronically from outside their constituencies as well
• ETPBS has empowered and ensured all eligible service electors with their constitutional power to vote while performing their duty for the nation
• This system has been set up in line with the existing Postal Ballot System and is an easier option for facilitating voting by the electors as the time constraint for dispatch of the postal ballot has been addressed using this system

ETPBS was developed and is managed by the Election Commission of India. To know more about ECI and Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, candidates can visit the linked article. 

Who is a Service Voter?

Persons working in Central Forces under Arms Act and Government officials deployed in Embassies outside the country are classified as Service Voters and are provisioned for online enrolment. 

Features of ETPBS

Given below are the key features of the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System:

• Service voters can avail of the ETPBS service from anywhere outside their constituency
• System facilitates the creation of service voter electoral roll data
• It is easy, efficient and hassle-free
• It is a secure system, having two-layer security
• OTP is required to download an encrypted Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot file
• Secrecy is maintained and no duplicacy is possible due to the QR code
• A PIN is required to decrypt, print and deliver ETPB

Given below are the links with more detailed information about the Election-related activities, organisations and important dates:

ETPBS – Important Facts

• It was for the first time in 2019 that the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System was used for registering the votes of the Service voters
• While in the 2014 General Election, 13,27,627 registered Service Electors were enrolled. This IT flagship programme, ETPBS, enabled 18,02,646 service voters to register their votes in the 2019 General Elections
• Of the total voters registered in 2019:
  • 10,16,245 were from the Ministry of Defence
  • 7,82,595 from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Central Armed Police Forces)
  • 3539 of Ministry of External Affairs
  • 267 of State Police
• A total of 18,02,646 postal ballots were dispatched electronically through ETPBS for the 2019 General Elections and in return, 10,84,266 e-postal ballots were received indicating a 60.14% turnout. This was way more in comparison to the 4% turnout of service voters in the 2014 General Election

ETPBS [UPSC Notes PDF]:-Download PDF Here

Also, get the detailed exam pattern and UPSC Syllabus for the upcoming prelims and mains examination at the linked article.

For any further exam related information, latest updates and study material, visit BYJU’S.