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ECI Launches EVM/VVPAT Awareness Drive in 5 Poll-Bound States

The Election Commission of India has launched a structured EVM and VVPAT awareness campaign across five poll-bound states and union territories. The initiative uses demonstration centres and mobile vans to give voters hands-on experience, with over 1.2 lakh electors already participating. Concurrently, the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal announced a revised schedule for the electoral roll revision, extending deadlines following a Supreme Court order. The final electoral roll for West Bengal is now set to be published on February 28.

Key Points: ECI EVM/VVPAT Awareness Campaign in Poll-Bound States

  • 1.2L voters attend demo camps
  • 29k+ locations covered by mobile vans
  • Campaign in 5 states/UTs
  • West Bengal electoral roll revision extended
2 min read

ECI organises EVM/VVPAT awareness campaign in poll-bound states

Election Commission runs EVM/VVPAT demo camps & mobile vans in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal to boost voter confidence.

"enhancing voter confidence by providing hands-on experience - Election Commission"

New Delhi, February 11

The Election Commission of India has launched an extensive EVM and VVPAT awareness campaign across poll-bound States and Union Territory of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal to familiarise voters with the functioning of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail units.

According to the ECI press note, over 1.20 lakh electors participated in EVM Demonstration camps at EDCs across 5 States and UTs, and over 1.16 lakh electors cast mock votes in these demonstrations. Over 29,000 Polling Station Locations (PSLs) have already been covered by MDVs as of February 10.

The campaign is being conducted through EVM Demonstration Centres (EDCs) and Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDVs) in a structured and time-bound manner, the Commission said in a press note. EDCs have been operationalised at District Election Officer Headquarters as well as Returning Officer and Revenue Sub-Division offices across the five States and UTs.

"The EVM/VVPAT Awareness Campaign is aimed at enhancing voter confidence by providing hands-on experience with the machines, clarifying doubts regarding their functioning, and ensuring complete transparency in the electoral process. Through physical demonstration centres and mobile outreach, the Commission seeks to reach voters across urban and rural areas alike," the poll body said.

The Commission remains committed to conducting transparent elections and will continue to intensify voter awareness initiatives in the coming days.

Meanwhile in West Bengal, the Chief Electoral Officer announced a revised schedule for the ongoing SIR process in the state on Tuesday, following a Supreme Court order.

In its statement, the CEO said the hearing of notices will be completed by February 14. The review of the documents and disposal of the claim will be completed by February 21. The statement also said that the rationalisation of polling stations will be completed by February 25. The health parameter checks are to be conducted by February 27. The final electoral roll will be published on February 28.

This revision was announced following the Supreme Court's judgment ordering a one-week extension to publish the final electoral roll under the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative, but I hope they are truly reaching every corner. In my village in Tamil Nadu last time, many elderly voters were hesitant. Mobile vans are a great idea if they actually visit the remote panchayats.
R
Rohit P
The numbers look impressive - 1.2 lakh participants already. But with crores of voters, the scale needs to be massive. Also, what about first-time voters? Colleges should have mandatory demo sessions.
M
Meera T
Respectfully, while awareness is good, the focus should equally be on the integrity of the electoral roll revision in Bengal. The Supreme Court extension shows there were issues. Transparency in the voter list is as important as the voting machine.
D
David E
Interesting to see such a large-scale tech literacy drive for democracy. The VVPAT slip is a crucial audit trail. More countries could learn from this hands-on approach to building public confidence in electronic systems.
S
Sneha F
As a first-time voter in Kerala, I'm excited! I saw the demo van near my college. Actually pressing the button and seeing the paper slip come out makes it feel real. No more fear of making a mistake. 🙌

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