Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 02 April 2024
In a bid to enhance election management capabilities, the Andaman and Nicobar Police has adopted two groundbreaking initiatives – the in-house developed chatbot named “Election Mitra” and the implementation of geotagged maps.
The unveiling of “Election Mitra” marks a significant milestone for the Andaman and Nicobar Police, representing their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The chatbot, conceptualised through extensive discussions with various stakeholders involved in the election process, aims to provide police personnel with instant access to authentic information sourced from the Election Commission of India in a user-friendly and interactive manner.
Developed by Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, SP North & Middle Andaman, and Mr. Rahul L Nair, IPS, SDPO, Rangat, “Election Mitra” is born out of the emphasis placed by DGP, A&N Islands, Mr. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, IPS, on harnessing state-of-the-art technology in policing. The chatbot has been meticulously trained on all handbooks of the Election Commission of India related to the roles and responsibilities of the police, utilising machine learning to deliver prompt and accurate responses to user inquiries.
Accessible via scanning a QR code distributed among the rank and file of the Andaman & Nicobar Police and the Central Armed Forces (CAPF) deployed for election duties in the islands, “Election Mitra” ensures seamless access to vital information during crucial election periods.
Alongside the chatbot, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have also introduced the geotagging and colour coding of all polling stations, vulnerable pockets, locations of repeat offenders and history sheeters, and other relevant information. These geotagged maps, available on Google Maps platform and accessible via QR code scanning, serve as a valuable resource for area familiarisation and planning area domination and checking activities, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The launch of these initiatives underscores the Andaman and Nicobar Police’s commitment to embracing innovation and leveraging technology to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in the region. DGP/A&N Islands has applauded these efforts and urged all ranks and files to further embrace technology-led policing and adapt to various technological advancements.
The introduction of “Election Mitra” chatbot and geotagged maps not only signifies a step towards modernisation but also reflects the department’s dedication to serving the community through advanced technological means.