Date: 2022-11-21Category: Extra OrdinaryState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Bye Elections in 6Assembly Constituencies 1each in Odisha Rajasthan Bihar Chhattisgarh 2in Uttar Pradesh and 1Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh Use of Electronic Voting Machines and VVPAT
## Policy Analysis Report: Implementation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) Printers in Specified Constituencies
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a directive from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the implementation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) printers in several constituencies for bye-elections. The core purpose is to authorize the use of EVMs and VVPATs for voting and recording votes in these specific constituencies. Key findings indicate that the ECI has determined the availability of necessary equipment, trained personnel, and sufficient voter awareness to proceed with the implementation. This directive ensures the use of a verifiable paper trail for votes cast in these locations.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an overview and analysis of a policy directive issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) printers in specified constituencies. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* The directive is not an amendment but a specific implementation order based on existing legal frameworks (Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961).
* **Core Objective(s):** To authorize and direct the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers for recording and verifying votes in specified constituencies for bye-elections, ensuring a transparent and auditable voting process.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This is a new policy implementation for specific constituencies. The policy addresses the need to ensure free and fair elections, leveraging technology to enhance transparency and voter confidence. The rationale, inferred from the text, is that the ECI seeks to utilize EVMs and VVPATs to provide a verifiable paper trail for votes cast, enhancing the integrity of the electoral process. The ECI has deemed the circumstances suitable for implementation, noting sufficient resources and preparedness.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As a new policy implementation for specific constituencies, the key provisions are as follows:
* **Authorization of EVM and VVPAT Use:** The ECI, exercising its powers under Section 61A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Rule 49A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, directs that votes shall be given and recorded by means of EVMs and VVPAT printers in the specified constituencies.
* **Constituency Specification:** The directive explicitly names the constituencies where EVMs and VVPATs will be used: 21 Mainpuri Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh, 01Padampur Assembly Constituency of Odisha, 21 Sardarshahar Assembly Constituency of Rajasthan, 93Kurhani Assembly Constituency of Bihar, 80BhanupratappurST Assembly Constituency of Chhattisgarh, 37Rampur and 15Khatauli Assembly Constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.
* **Design Approval:** The ECI approves the design of EVMs and VVPAT printers developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd., Bangalore, and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd., Hyderabad.
* **Adherence to Rules and Instructions:** Voting and recording of votes must be conducted in the manner prescribed under the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and supplementary instructions issued by the ECI from time to time.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this directive include:
* **Electors in the specified constituencies:** Voters residing in the designated constituencies will utilize EVMs and VVPATs to cast their votes.
* **Polling Personnel:** Those responsible for conducting the elections in the specified constituencies, who are trained to operate EVMs and VVPATs.
* **Political Parties and Candidates:** Political entities contesting elections in the specified constituencies must be aware of the voting process using EVMs and VVPATs.
* **Election Commission of India (ECI):** The implementing and overseeing body for this directive.
* **Bharat Electronics Ltd., Bangalore and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd., Hyderabad:** The manufacturers of the approved EVMs and VVPAT printers.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the primary responsible agency. Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. are responsible for providing the equipment.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The directive is effective for the bye-elections announced in the specified constituencies, notified on 10th and 11th November, 2022. Procedures are to follow the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and any supplementary instructions from the ECI.
* The text implies that training of polling personnel and voter awareness campaigns have already been conducted or are underway.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of this directive include:
* **Enhanced Transparency:** The use of VVPATs provides a verifiable paper trail, allowing voters to confirm that their vote was recorded correctly, thereby increasing transparency.
* **Increased Voter Confidence:** By providing a tangible record of the vote, voter confidence in the integrity of the electoral process is likely to increase.
* **Reduced Disputes:** The verifiable paper trail can be used to resolve any disputes or challenges to the election results.
* **Standardized Election Process:** Further integrates technology into the election process in line with established laws and rules.
**9. Conclusion:**
The ECI's directive to implement EVMs and VVPAT printers in specified constituencies signifies a commitment to enhancing the transparency and integrity of the electoral process. By leveraging technology and ensuring voter awareness, the ECI aims to foster greater confidence in the democratic process. This directive is a crucial step towards modernizing elections and ensuring that every vote is accurately recorded and verifiable.
Key Entities Referenced
Election Commission of India: The constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India.
Representation of the People Act, 1951: An act of the Parliament of India that regulates the conduct of elections to the Houses of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of each State.
Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961: The rules framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, for the conduct of elections in India.
21 Mainpuri Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh: A parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh where the Election Commission of India has specified the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers.
01 Padampur Assembly Constituency of Odisha: An assembly constituency in Odisha where the Election Commission of India has specified the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers.
21 Sardarshahar Assembly Constituency of Rajasthan: An assembly constituency in Rajasthan where the Election Commission of India has specified the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers.
93 Kurhani Assembly Constituency of Bihar: An assembly constituency in Bihar where the Election Commission of India has specified the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers.
80 BhanupratappurST Assembly Constituency of Chhattisgarh: An assembly constituency in Chhattisgarh where the Election Commission of India has specified the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers.
37 Rampur Assembly Constituency of Uttar Pradesh: An assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh where the Election Commission of India has specified the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers.
15 Khatauli Assembly Constituency of Uttar Pradesh: An assembly constituency in Uttar Pradesh where the Election Commission of India has specified the use of EVMs and VVPAT printers.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): Electronic voting machines used for casting and recording votes.
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): A printer attached to an EVM that provides a paper trail of the vote.
Bharat Electronics Ltd., Bangalore: One of the companies that developed the design of EVMs and VVPAT Printers approved by the Election Commission.
Electronics Corporation of India Ltd., Hyderabad: One of the companies that developed the design of EVMs and VVPAT Printers approved by the Election Commission.
Ashwani Kumar Mohal: Secretary who signed the order on behalf of the Election Commission of India.
रजजस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
xxxGIDHxxx
सी.जी.-डी.एxलx.x-GअID.-E2xx2x1 12022-240452
CG-DL-E-22112022-240452
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण् ड 3—उप-खण्ड (iii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (iii)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 76] नई ददल्ली, सोमर्ार, नर्म्ब र 21, 2022/कार्ततक 30, 1944
No. 76] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2022/KARTIKA 30, 1944
भारत जनर्ाचा न आयोग
जनदेि
नई ददल् ली, 21 नर्म् बर, 2022
आ.अ. 76(अ).—यत:, लोक प्रजतजनजधत्र् अजधजनयम, 1951 की धारा 61क म ें यह प्रार्धान दकया गया ह ै दक
र्ोटिंग मिीनों द्वारा मतदान और मतों का अजभलेखन ऐसी रीजत, जैसी दक जनधााररत की जाए, से ऐसे जनर्ााचन क्षेत्र या
जनर्ााचन क्षेत्रों में अपनाया जाए जैसा दक भारत जनर्ााचन आयोग, प्रत्येक मामले की पररजस्ट्थजतयों को ध्यान में रखते हुए
जर्जनर्ददष्ट करे; और
2. यत:,जनर्ााचनों का संचालन जनयम, 1961 के जनयम 49क के परन्तुक के अनुसार, भारत जनर्ााचन आयोग द्वारा
यथाअनुमोददत जडजाइन र्ाल े ड्राप बॉक्स सजहत एक प्रप्रिंर, ऐसे जनर्ााचन क्षेत्र या जनर्ााचन क्षेत्रों या उसके भागों म ें मतों
के पेपर रेल के मुद्रण के जलए मतदान मिीन के साथ भी जोडा जाए जैसा दक भारत जनर्ााचन आयोग द्वारा जनदेि ददया
जाए; और
3. यत:,जनर्ााचन आयोग ने ददनाकं 05.11.2022 एर् ं 08.11.2022 के प्रसे नोिं सख्ं या ईसीआई/प्र.ेनो./83/2022
और ईसीआई/प्र.ेनो./87/2022 के तहत घोजित उत्तर प्रदिे के 21- मनै परु ी ससं दीय जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे , उडीसा के 01– पदमपरु
जर्धान सभा जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे , राजस्ट्थान के 21 - सरदारिहर जर्धान सभा जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे , जबहार के 93 - कुढ़नी जर्धान
सभा जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे , छत्तीसगढ़ के 80 – भानप्रु तापपरु (अ.ज.जा.) जर्धान सभा जनर्ााचन क्षत्रे और उत्तर प्रदेि के 37–
रामपरु एर् ं 15-खतौली जर्धान सभा क्षत्रे , और आयोग के ददनाकं 10.11.2022 के प्रसे नोिं
सख्ं या ईसीआई/प्र.ेनो./88/2022 के द्वारा उत्तर प्रदेि के 37-रामपरु जर्धान सभा जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे म ें उप-जनर्ाचा न के
7725 GI/2022 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(iii)]
सिं ोजधत कायक्रा म, के चाल ू उप जनर्ााचनों के जलए उपयक्तु संसदीय जनर्ााचन क्षेत्र एर्ं जर्धान सभा जनर्ााचन क्षेत्रों की
पररजस्ट्थजतयों पर जर्चार दकया है, और जनर्ााचन आयोग संतुष्ट ह ै दक उक्त सभी संसदीय एर् ं जर्धान सभा जनर्ााचन क्षेत्रों म ें
मतदान करर्ाने के जलए पयााप्त संख्या में इलेक्िंॉजनक र्ोटिंग मिीनें तथा पेपर रेल [र्ोिंर र्ेररफायबल पेपर ऑजडिं रेल
(र्ीर्ीपैिं)] मुदद्रत करने के जलए प्रप्रिंर उपलब्ध ह,ैं मतदान कार्तमक, इलेक्िंॉजनक र्ोटिंग मिीनों तथा र्ीर्ीपैिं प्रप्रिंर के
दक्षतापूण ा संचालन करन े के जलए पूण ा प्रजिजक्षत ह ैं तथा जनर्ााचक भी इलेक्रॉजनक र्ोटिंग मिीनों (ई र्ी एम) एर् ं र्ीर्ीपैिं
प्रप्रिंरों की कायाप्रणाली से पणू ातया पररजचत ह।ैं
4. अत:,अब भारत जनर्ााचन आयोग, लोक प्रजतजनजधत्र् अजधजनयम, 1951 की उक्त धारा 61क तथा जनर्ााचनों का
संचालन जनयम, 1961 के जनयम 49क के अंतगात अपनी िजक्तयों का प्रयोग करत े हुए एतद्द्वारा 10 और 11 नर्बं र, 2022
को अजधसजू चत उत्तर प्रदेि के 21- मनै परु ी ससं दीय जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे , उडीसा के 01 – पदमपरु जर्धानसभा जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे ,
राजस्ट्थान के 21 - सरदारिहर जर्धान सभा जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे , जबहार के 93 - कुढ़नी जर्धान सभा जनर्ााचन क्षत्रे , छत्तीसगढ़
के 80 – भानप्रु तापपरु (अ.ज.जा.) जर्धान सभा जनर्ाचा न क्षत्रे और उत्तर प्रदिे के 37 – रामपरु एर् ं 15 - खतौली जर्धान
सभा क्षत्रे ो को ऐस े जनर्ााचन क्षत्रे ों के रूप म ें जर्जनर्ददष्ट करता है, जहा ं जनर्ााचनों का संचालन जनयम,1961 के अधीन तथा
इस जर्िय म ें आयोग द्वारा समय-समय पर जारी दकए गए अनपु ूरक अनदु ेिों के अतं गता जर्जहत तरीके स े इलेक्रॉजनक
र्ोटिंग मिीनों तथा र्ीर्ीपैिं प्रप्रिंर के माध्यम से मत डाल ेऔर ररकॉड ादकए जाएंगे।
5. जनर्ााचन आयोग, भारत इलेक्रॉजनक्स जलजमिंेड, बंगलौर तथा इलेक्रॉजनक्स कापोरेिन ऑफ इजण्डया जलजमिंेड,
हदै राबाद द्वारा यथा-जर्कजसत इलेक्रॉजनक र्ोटिंग मिीनों और र्ीर्ीपैिं प्रप्रिंरों, जजन्ह ें उक्त जनर्ााचन क्षेत्रों में मत डालन े
और ररकॉडा करन े के जलए उपयक्तुा मिीनों से जोडा जाएगा, के जडजाइन को भी एतद्द्वारा अनुमोददत करता ह।ै
[फा. सं. 576/3/ईर्ीएम/2022/एसडीआर/खण्ड–II]
आदेि से,
अश् र्नी कुमार मोहल, सजचर्
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
DIRECTION
New Delhi, the 21st November, 2022
O.N. 76(E).—Whereas, Section 61A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, provides that the giving
and recording of votes by voting machines in such manner as may be prescribed, may be adopted in such constituency
or constituencies as the Election Commission of India may, having regard to the circumstances of each case, specify;
2. Whereas, as per the proviso to Rule 49A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, a printer with a drop box
of such design, as may be approved by the Election Commission of India, may also be attached to voting machine for
printing a paper trail of the vote, in such constituency or constituencies or parts thereof as the Election Commission of
India may direct;
3. Whereas, the Election Commission has considered the circumstances in bye-elections in 21-Mainpuri
Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh, 01-Padampur Assembly Constituency of Odisha, 21-
Sardarshahar Assembly Constituency of Rajasthan, 93-Kurhani Assembly Constituency of Bihar, 80-
Bhanupratappur(ST) Assembly Constituency of Chhattisgarh & 37-Rampur and 15-Khatauli Assembly
Constituencies of Uttar Pradesh announced vide the Election Commission’s Press Notes No. ECI/PN/83/2022
dated 05-11-2022, No. ECI/PN/87/2022 dated 08-11-2022 and Commission’s Press Note No. ECI/PN/88/2022
dated 10-11-2022 revising the schedule for Bye-election in 37-Rampur AC of Uttar Pradesh, and is satisfied that
sufficient number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Printers for printing Paper Trail [Voter Verifiable Paper
Audit Trail (VVPAT)] are available for taking the poll in the above mentioned Parliamentary Constituency and
Assembly Constituencies, the polling personnel are well trained in efficient handling of EVMs and ‘VVPAT Printers’
and the electors are also fully conversant with the operation of the EVMs and the VVPAT Printers;
4. Now, therefore, the Election Commission of India, in exercise of its powers under the said Section 61A of the
Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Rule 49A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, hereby specifies 21-
Mainpuri Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh, 01-Padampur Assembly Constituency of Odisha, 21-
Sardarshahar Assembly Constituency of Rajasthan, 93-Kurhani Assembly Constituency of Bihar,
80-Bhanupratappur(ST) Assembly Constituency of Chhattisgarh & 37-Rampur and 15-Khatauli Assembly
Constituencies of Uttar Pradesh, notified on 10th and 11th November, 2022 as the constituencies in which the[भाग II—खण् ड 3(iii)] भारत का राजपत्र : असाधारण 3
votes, shall be given and recorded by means of EVMs and VVPAT printers in the manner prescribed, under the
Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, and the supplementary instructions issued by the Election Commission from time
to time on the subject.
5. The Election Commission also hereby approves the design of EVMs and VVPAT Printers as developed by
the Bharat Electronics Ltd., Bangalore and Electronics Corporation of India Ltd., Hyderabad, which shall be attached
to the said machines, to be used for the giving and recording of votes in all the constituencies.
[F. No. 576/3/EVM/2022/SDR-Vol.II]
By Order,
ASHWANI KUMAR MOHAL, Secy.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.