Over 8,000 complaints on MCC violations received through cVIGIL app in Kozhikode

The cVIGIL mobile application, designed to enable citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the Assembly elections, has received over 8,000 complaints in Kozhikode district. Officials said that all complaints received till date had been acted upon and resolved.

Complaints received at the district-level cVIGIL control room functioning from the Collectorate are immediately forwarded to squads in the respective Assembly constituencies. Flying squads, anti-defacement teams, and static surveillance squads conduct inquiries and initiate action. The control room is now operating 24×7 under the supervision of MCC assistant nodal officer Ajith John.

Officials at the control room said the public could report a wide range of violations through the application, including distribution of liquor, voter intimidation, speeches inciting communal or political tensions, paid news, offers of free transport to voters, and circulation of fake news and unauthorised display of campaign materials in public places. Complaints are generally resolved within two hours.

The app, now available for download from the Election Commission of India’s web platform, allows users to upload real-time photographs, short video clips, and audio recordings as evidence. The authenticity of the them will be examined before forwarding to the constituency-level squads concerned.

Surveillance squads are now maintaining high vigil against the enrolment of children as election campaigners. District Election Officer and Collector Snehil Kumar Singh has reiterated that children must not be involved in election campaigning or related activities in line with the clear direction issued by the Election Commission.

Based on the Collector’s instructions, the entry of children for election rallies, sloganeering, distribution of posters or participation in election-related meetings will be monitored. Carrying children to support election campaign events or involving them in road shows will be prevented. Similarly, instructions have been issued to avoid children during the preparation of election-themed songs, speeches, or the display of party or candidate symbols.

Apart from the cVIGIL app, the Election Commission has introduced another digital platform, Suvidha, to ensure transparency and efficiency in the electoral process. Primarily intended for candidates and political parties, it facilitates permissions for campaign-related activities such as rallies, public meetings, roadshows, police clearance, use of grounds and sound systems.