Poll panel again seeks funds to get voting machines

The Election Commission has again knocked on the government’s door for immediate release of funds to procure voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines, following the Opposition parties raising their pitch for abandoning electronic voting machines (EVMs) for paper ballots.

In a terse letter to the law ministry, the EC has made an oblique reference to the skepticism over the use of EVMs by the Opposition parties. “It is felt that the process of procurement of VVPATs cannot be delayed any longer given prevailing environment,” the commission said in its letter on March 22.

Sources said this is the 11th reminder to the government, though EC officials did not confirm this.

The EC has asked for ~3,174 crore from the Centre for the purchase of the machines that allow voters to see the name and symbol of the candidate they have voted for.

The results are visible for seven seconds on a paper slip that is then recorded in the machines and can in the case of any dispute be used verify the result being shown on the EVM.

The issue of EVM manipulation by the BJP was first raised by BSP supremo Mayawati after her party’s dismal performance in the UP assembly polls.

It has since gained traction with 16 other parties including the TMC and the AAP backing that charge.