What Is The 'Viksit Bharat' Whatsapp Message & Why Has The EC Asked Govt To Stop Sending It?

You may have received a strange message on WhatsApp fot "Viksit Bharat" (developed India). Interestingly, it's a message sent by the Government of India. However, the Election Commission has ordered the government to stop sending it. But what exactly is the Viksit Bharat message, and why did the EC ask the government to stop sending it?

EC puts a halt to Viksit Bharat message

The Election Commission directed the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to immediately halt the delivery of the government's 'Viksit Bharat' message on WhatsApp to citizens.

Reuters

This action was taken because the Model Code of Conduct came into effect following the announcement of general elections to the Lok Sabha and four state assemblies on March 16.

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of rules for political parties and candidates to ensure fair competition. It is designed to maintain order, cleanliness, and peace during campaigning, polling, and vote counting and also aims to prevent any misuse of government resources or funds by the ruling party.

The Election Commission received complaints that 'Viksit Bharat' messages, highlighting the government's initiatives, were being delivered to citizens' phones even after the model code of conduct was enforced.

Unsplash

In response, MeitY informed the commission that while the messages were sent to citizens via WhatsApp before the model code became applicable, some may have been delivered late due to systemic and network limitations.

What is the 'Viksit Bharat' message?

The 'Viksit Bharat' message reads as below:

"In the last 10 years, 140 crore Indians have benefited from various schemes and policies of the government, and will continue to do so in the future as well. Your participation is critical as we, together as one family, work towards fulfilling our aspiration of a Viksit Bharat. You are therefore requested to kindly share suggestions on your vision of Vikshit Bharat."

Why is government sending the 'Viksit Bharat' message?

The 'Viksit Bharat' message was being circulated by the government to showcase the initiatives of the Central government.

It aims to gather feedback and suggestions from citizens regarding government schemes and policies.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.