As West Bengal heads into a crucial election phase, the Election Commission has tightened surveillance to ensure free and fair polling. Alongside heavy deployment of central forces, control room monitoring, and toll-free helplines, there’s one tool that puts power directly in voters’ hands — the cVIGIL app.
Introduced by the Election Commission of India, the app allows citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct in real time, right from their phones.
What can you report on cVIGIL?
The app is designed to capture a wide range of electoral malpractices. You can raise complaints if you witness:
Distribution of cash, gifts, liquor, or drugs to influence voters
Communal or hate speech during campaigning
Intimidation, including threats or display of weapons
Illegal transportation of voters
Any violation of election rules at polling stations or nearby areas
Also Read | Violence at your booth? Contact Election Commission on THIS toll-free number
How the app works
Using cVIGIL is simple and quick:
Download it from the Google Play Store or iOS App Store
Register with your mobile number
Capture photos or videos of the violation
Upload it instantly through the app
Each complaint is geo-tagged and time-stamped, allowing authorities to act swiftly — often within minutes.
Also Read | 27 lakh names struck off, only 139 cleared: Bengal elections start under shadow of SIR
Why does it matter?
First introduced during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, cVIGIL has become a key tool in citizen-led monitoring. It bridges the gap between voters and authorities, ensuring that violations don’t go unnoticed.
With heightened security and digital vigilance, the Commission is aiming for a transparent, peaceful electoral process — and this time, every voter can be a watchdog.
